The aim of this work was to experimentally evaluate the use of calcium carbonate as a pore-generating agent in ceramic compositions. Compositions that contained 50% kaolin, 20% limestone, and different concentrations of quartz and feldspar were prepared by uniaxial pressing. Samples were heat-treated at a heating rate appropriate to induce calcium carbonate degassing, and they were then sintered at 800, 900, and 1050 ºC. Tests of X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, porosimetry, and air permeation were performed. The composition (wt%) that contained 50% kaolin, 20% limestone, 20% feldspar, and 10% quartz and heat treated at 1050 ºC (k1 = 1.73×10-13 m² and k2 = 1.00×10-8 m) showed the highest level of permeability among the investigated samples. Fluid dynamics simulations showed that the prepared samples would exhibit a pressure drop greater than the range desired for applications that involve the filtration of aerosols, but alternatively would be suitable as substrates for asymmetric membranes in microfiltration applications.
ceramics; microporous materials; microstructure
