Preparation and properties of microfiltration membranes based on natural crystalline SiO2

The method of obtaining ceramic microfiltration membranes in the form of tubes based on natural crystalline silicon dioxide (quartz sand) of Saudi Arabia was developed and the samples were compared to ones obtained using quartz sand of the Republic of Belarus. The substrates were fabricated by the isostatic pressing method. Microfiltration membrane layers were applied using slurry of finely dispersed crystal silicon dioxide in aqueous solution of aluminosilicate binder. The microfiltration membranes are defectless and uniform and are characterized by average pore size of 5-10 mu m and water permeability of 25-45 m(3)/(h x m(2) x bar). Further, the biocide coating designed to protect the filter membrane surfaces from biofouling was applied and its anti-bacterial activity was tested. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.