Sintering of silicomanganese slag-reinforced porous SiC ceramic membrane supports with high alkali corrosion resistance

Herein, we report the production of silicomanganese slag-reinforced porous SiC ceramic membrane supports with high alkali corrosion resistance through low-temperature sintering. The effects of the sintering temperature and particle size of the silicomanganese slag (SiMn-slag) on the properties of the membrane supports were studied. The optimal membrane support was obtained at 1150 °C with 20 μm SiMn-slag, which exhibited an open porosity of 41.03%, pore size of 3.15 μm, ultra-high pure water permeability of 120074.60 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and high bending strength of 43.18 ± 0.70 MPa. In addition to the excellent acid corrosion resistance, the prepared membrane support displayed high alkali corrosion resistance due to the neck connections that formed, comprising alkali resistant mullite, anorthite, and bustamite. This work is of great significance in guiding the production of high-performance SiC membranes at a low cost and offers a possible route for utilising solid waste as a value-added separation material.