The effect of kaolin addition on the characteristics of a sintered diatomite composite support layer for potential microfiltration applications

Porous ceramic membranes have lately become a subject of special interest due to their outstanding thermal and chemical stability. We prepared a sintered diatomite composite support layer with the addition of kaolin, which enhanced the mechanical strength of the diatomite composite matrix while retaining acceptable permeation properties. We also discussed whether the sintered diatomite composite support layer could serve as a separation layer to minimize processing difficulties as well as the feasibility of using a sintered diatomite composite layer without a separation layer as a porous ceramic membrane for microfiltration. The pore characteristics of the sintered diatomite specimens were studied by scanning electron micrography, mercury porosimetry, and capillary flow porosimetry.