Taguchi design of experiments approach to the manufacture of one-step alumina microfilter/membrane supports by the centrifugal casting technique

The Taguchi design of experiments method was implemented for the optimization of the manufacture of sintered one-step alumina microfilter/ membrane supports by the centrifugal casting technique for the first time. A 10 wt.% alumina aqueous slip containing Tiron (0.001 g/g alumina) as dispersant and PVA as binder were used. Acceleration (3 levels), slip volume Q levels), binder content (3 levels) and pH (2 levels) were selected as controlling parameters (saturated L-9 array). The use of three different target functions has been discussed: ( 1) the product of top-layer surface porosity times the reciprocal of top-layer surface pore diameter; (2) the product of permeability times thickness; and (3) membrane curvature. It is deduced that the first target function is the most appropriate as far as the membrane characteristics of the sintered compact are concerned. Using this target function a distinct optimum configuration for the controlling parameter levels could be obtained. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.