Utilization of diverse cheap materials as pore generating agent to manufacture low-cost porous ceramic

Abstract

Paper waste, corn starch, and sawdust were utilized as pore generating agents to produce a porous ceramic. Kaolin clay, sodium feldspar, and 20% of pore generating agent were mixed, and the samples were formed by mold method, dried at room temperature for about 72 h and in a furnace at 115 ºC for 5 h, and then fired at 1200 ºC with a soaking time of 3 h. The samples were tested for measurement of physical and mechanical properties and the microstructure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results showed that the sample prepared with corn starch had the highest porosity, lowest mechanical properties and permeability, and smallest pore size, while the characteristics of the sample prepared with sawdust were contrary; finally, the sample of paper waste had the highest permeability and intermediate values of other properties.