Project Title:

Aerogel Processing of Ceramic Composite Membranes

12.03-3648
900985
Aerogel Processing of Ceramic Composite Membranes

Abstract:

Ceramics are superior materials for membrane-based separation techniques where operational
requirements involve high temperatures, oxidation resistance, chemical inertness,
and sterility. Monolithic ceramic components are brittle and involve complex and
costly fabrication processes. Conventional ceramic composites, while tougher, have
similar fabrication limitations. Bioregenerative processes stress membrane performance
requirements, increasing the need for a viable ceramic membrane technology. Sol-gel
derived membranes that are processed by supercritical fluid extraction (aerogel)
techniques offer the potential of net-shape, low-cost fabrication, with precise control
of membrane pore structures. Combined with ceramic fiber reinforcement, the aerogel
ceramic process enables the fabrication of tough, low cost, high performance structural
membrane material systems. The feasibility of sol-gel/aerogel processes to fabricate
ceramic composite membranes, of controlled pore size and pore size distribution,
will be demonstrated. This will result in the development of a membrane technology
with high performance, ultra filtration capability. Silicon nitride-reinforced mullite
will be used as a model material system. Membrane disks will be aerogel processed,
and chemically aged and infiltrated to control membrane pore size and pore size distribution.
Characterization will include thermal stability, mechanical properties, pore size
and pore size distribution, and transport properties.
 The resultant membrane could be suitable for extreme applications including high-temperature,
oxidative, and corrosive environments. Applications include gas separations, catalytic
supports.
membranes, ceramics, microporosity, sol-gel, composites, bilaxer