ABSTRACT
In previous chapters, we have discussed information about and benefits of low-cost ceramic membranes broadly. In this chapter, we describe two practical examples of low-cost ceramic membranes of different shapes for different applications. To minimize the manufacturing cost, raw materials play a significant role. Sawdust (consisting of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose), starch (a large number of glucose units), and chamottes (a calcined clay consisting of hard, porous agglomerates with an interconnected pore network) are successfully implemented in ceramic membrane fabrication. Ceramic membranes made of sawdust not only provide good morphological (21% porous), thermal, chemical (excellent resistance in highly acidic and alkaline media) and mechanical (11.55 MPa) properties, but also provide low manufacturing cost ($332/m2). Ceramic membranes made of chamottes have also proved to have good morphological characteristics along with an excellent mechanical strength. Though the invention and uses of cheap raw materials are involved in fabrication of ceramic membranes extensively nowadays, many more inexpensive and waste products can also be used as raw materials in ceramic membrane fabrication and are needed for further developments.
