Digital light processing of high-purity SiC ceramic membrane support modified by SiC whisker.

High-purity SiC ceramic membrane has gained tremendous attention in the treatment of various corrosive wastewaters. Additive manufacturing technique makes it possible to fabricate high-purity SiC ceramic membrane with complex configurations. Here, we proposed a route for the preparation of high-purity SiC ceramic membrane support using digital light processing and SiC whisker reinforcement. With the increase of whisker content, the viscosity of SiC w /SiC photosensitive slurry increased due to the formation of whiskers agglomerations; the average pore size shifted from 3.15 μm to 1.35 μm with the occupation of large pores by SiC whiskers. In addition, the compressive strength of the ceramic support increased from 10.7 MPa to 16.7 MPa because of the decline in pore size and the toughening effects by SiC whiskers. So, the introduced SiC whiskers enhanced the pore connectivity and mechanical strength of the porous ceramics. This work provides a feasible path to manufacture high-purity SiC ceramic membrane support with complex configuration, high pore-connectivity and excellent mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]