LAUSR

Abstract A new ultrafiltration (UF) composite membrane was developed during this investigation, based on a ceramic support that ensures high mechanical strength and low resistance to fluid passage. Microfiltration (MF) supports were made by uniaxial pressing of bentonite powder and micronized phosphate. Changes in morphology, shrinkage, porosity and mechanical strength of the moldings were monitored as a function of applied thermal cycles in order to obtain optimal treatment conditions. Optimal conditions of sintered membrane support were of 30% of micronized phosphate at 950 °C leading to a porosity of 34.06% and a good mechanical resistance (14.6 MPa approx.). The resulting support was used to develop a TiO2 UF membrane by utilizing a spin-coating technique. Visual inspection of the sintered membrane at 800 °C under a scanning electron microscope showed that the deposited layer was homogeneous and free of structural defects. The resulting pore diameters were determined to be approximately 72 nm. Finally resulting UF membranes were tested by the filtration of Direct Red 80 solution.