Integration and fabrication of the cheap ceramic membrane through 3D printing technology

Abstract

In this paper, 3D printing technology was being presented for its compatibility with clay materials due to its competitive process in terms of cost and speed, especially for the small quantities production. The raw material used was Kankara clay powder, which was taken from Nigeria. Different particle sizes (75, 150 and 250 μm) of clay powders were separated and used to fabricate 3D printed membrane samples by solid binder indirectly additives. The membrane samples produced with clay powders can be sintered in 1300 °C to produce strong and porous ceramic membrane. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VPSEM) were used to study and evaluate the reliability of the clay membrane produced. The mechanical properties including compressive strength and microhardness were measured. The results have been compared with different particle sizes of clay powders in terms of the microstructure and mechanical properties.