Optimization of UV-curable alumina suspension for digital light processing of ceramic membranes

Herein a novel method was proposed for the fabrication of ceramic membranes by digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing. The UV-curable alumina suspension was optimized by tuning the solid content, grading ratio, and temperature to achieve low viscosity. The Krieger-Dougherty model and the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation were employed to describe and predict the changing trends of viscosity. The effects of the sintering process on the microstructures, mechanical strength, and permeability of the ceramic membranes were also studied. Under the optimized conditions, ceramic membranes were obtained with uniform pore size distribution, high porosity of 42.6%, an average pore size of 0.9 μm, and a pure water flux of 2.66 m³ m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1. Therefore, DLP 3D printing demonstrates good prospects for application in the fabrication of ceramic membranes.