Optimization of Sintering Time and Binder Composition in Spent Bleaching Earth and Water Treatment Plant Sludge Ceramic Membrane Fabrication

The increasing demand for sustainable and low-cost water treatment technologies has driven the development of ceramic membranes derived from industrial waste. This study aims to optimize the fabrication of ceramic membranes based on spent bleaching earth (SBE) and water treatment plant sludge (WTPS) by investigating the combined effects of latex binder composition and sintering conditions on membrane structure and properties. SBE–WTPS ceramic membranes were fabricated through drying, grinding, homogenization, molding, and sintering processes. Latex binder content was varied from ۵ to ۱۵%, while sintering was conducted for ۲ hours at ۴۵۰, ۶۰۰, and ۷۵۰ °C. The resulting membranes were characterized in terms of shrinkage, density, porosity, and water absorption. Phase composition, functional groups, and surface morphology were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM, respectively. The results revealed that both sintering temperature and binder concentration significantly affected membrane densification and porosity. The optimal condition was obtained at ۵% latex binder and ۶۰۰ °C sintering temperature, density ۱.۲ g/cm³, porosity ۵۰%, and good dimensional stability. XRD confirmed the presence of quartz and mullite as dominant crystalline phases, while FTIR indicated strong Si–O–Si and Si–O–Al bonding. SEM images showed a uniform microstructure with fine, evenly distributed pores. Overall, this study demonstrates a sustainable route for converting SBE and WTPS wastes into functional ceramic membranes. The optimized composition and processing conditions enhance both mechanical integrity and permeability, offering a promising solution for low-cost, eco-friendly water filtration applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ceramic membrane ، Spent bleaching earth ، Water Treatment Plant Sludge ، binder optimization ، sintering temperature ، Sustainable materials