Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Metallurgical Department, Yaba College of Technology Yaba Lagos, P.M.B. 2011, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Owoeye, F.T., Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Azodo, A.P., Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Udo, S.B., Metallurgical Department, Yaba College of Technology Yaba Lagos, P.M.B. 2011, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Ceramic membranes are especially suitable for processes with high temperatures and harsh chemical environments or for processes where sterilizability of the membrane is important. The main objective of this work is to determine the evaluation of four different ceramic membranes with different material compositions. Ceramic disc type microfiltration membranes were fabricated by the mould and press method from different percentage compositions of clay, kaolin, sawdust and wood charcoal. The fabricated membranes were sintered at a temperature of 1100°C and characterized by an X-ray diffractometer and optical scanner. Compressibility tests and physical properties of the membranes were also examined. It was observed that, as the percentage composition of kaolin increased from 0 to 80% and the percentage composition of clay decreased from 80 to 0% respectively, the compressive stress of all the sample membranes increased, with an increase in compressive strain from 1.8 to 2.4. Sample A had the highest value of compressive stress from 1.8 to 2.2 compressive strain, but sample B had the highest value of compressive stress of 150MPa at a compressive strain of 2.4. Optical micrographs of all membranes showed the presence of uniformly distributed pores and no cracks were seen around them. It was concluded that, with increasing percentage of kaolin and decreasing percentage of clay, there was a decrease in porosity and water absorption, as well as a decrease in the mechanical properties of the fabricated membranes. © Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia.
