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Processing Routes to Macroporous Ceramics: A Review
Author(s) -
Studart André R.,
Gonzenbach Urs T.,
Tervoort Elena,
Gauckler Ludwig J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of the american ceramic society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1551-2916
pISSN - 0002-7820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2006.01044.x
Subject(s) - ceramic , materials science , microstructure , fabrication , filtration (mathematics) , porosity , macropore , replica , nanotechnology , catalysis , composite material , chemistry , statistics , alternative medicine , mathematics , visual arts , pathology , medicine , mesoporous material , art , biochemistry
Macroporous ceramics with pore sizes from 400 nm to 4 mm and porosity within the range 20%–97% have been produced for a number of well‐established and emerging applications, such as molten metal filtration, catalysis, refractory insulation, and hot gas filtration. These applications take advantage of the unique properties achieved through the incorporation of macropores into solid ceramics. In this article, we review the main processing routes that can be used for the fabrication of macroporous ceramics with tailored microstructure and chemical composition. Emphasis is given to versatile and simple approaches that allow one to control the microstructural features that ultimately determine the properties of the macroporous material. Replica, sacrificial template, and direct foaming techniques are described and compared in terms of microstructures and mechanical properties that can be achieved. Finally, directions to future investigations on the processing of macroporous ceramics are proposed.