Preparation and characterization of a low-cost and natural material-based reticulated porous diatomite-kaolin composite

Abstract

In recent years, porous ceramics have been increasingly developed owing to their high levels of high-temperature stability and chemical stability. These properties are far superior to porous polymers and porous metals. As a representative porous ceramic, reticulated porous ceramics have been fabricated for several decades owing to their overwhelmingly high porosity, which is usually above 90%. There are growing concerns about the environmental problems. However, the data on the preparation of low-cost and natural material-based reticulated porous ceramics are not enough. Therefore, the authors studied the preparations and characterizations of reticulated porous ceramics prepared using diatomite and kaolin, and compared them to typical reticulated porous alumina. The obtained data were used to determine whether the reticulated porous diatomite-kaolin composite can be practically used in non-hard loading conditions. The structural properties and dielectric breakdown strength of the reticulated porous ceramics were examined using scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, μ-computed tomography (CT), and standard test apparatus of dielectric breakdown voltage.