ABSTRACT
The importance of low-cost ceramic membranes with applications is discussed in this chapter. How to reduce the manufacturing cost of a ceramic membrane is also elaborated, as well as how ceramic membranes behave with different factors or parameters such as raw materials, membrane shapes, and modules. The effects of fabrication and coating techniques on membrane behavior are given. The manufacturing cost of ceramic membranes is the most promising challenge and is covered well in the chapter. Various membrane modules—namely, tubular, rectangular/flat sheet, cylindrical, monolith, etc.—are elaborated with examples. The influence of major chemicals, pore-formers, and additives such as binder, plasticizers, solvents, and dispersants as raw materials is explained. Advantages and disadvantages of fabrication techniques, such as extrusion, injection molding, slip casting, etc., are discussed. Steps in sintering stages (presintering, thermolysis, and densification) and mechanisms, as well as types of sintering, are also elaborated.
