The preparation of micro-porous membrane from a Tunisian kaolin

The purpose of this work is the preparation of a low cost membrane from Tunisian kaolin in order to be used in a filtration process. This study has begun with the characterization of the raw material in order to choose the best condition of the membrane preparation. After the clay characterization, it has been pressed and sintered at 950 °C for 2 h to obtain the flat ceramic membranes of 25 mm in diameter. Different characterizations were performed to determine the porosity, the density and the mechanical strength of these membranes; samples show good porosity (~ 30%), high compressive strength, around 60 MPa, but relatively low permeability.