Development of ceramic membranes from sugarcane bagasse ash for microfiltration of biodiesel production effluents

Abstract

Ceramic membranes have emerged as a promising solution for microfiltration processes, offering advantages such as cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and the utilization of abundant raw materials derived from agro-industrial solid waste. This study investigates the fabrication and performance of ceramic membranes composed of kaolin the varying proportions of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA - 40 wt % and 60 wt %), with focus on efficiency in treating biodiesel wastewater. The membranes were characterized (porosity, average pore diameter, and mechanical strength). The membrane containing 40 wt % SCBA - employed without any pre-treatment- exhibited the best overall performance, achieving porosity of 38.5 %, an pore diameter of 0.9 µm, and mechanical strength of 27 MPa, indicating a favorable balance between permeability and structural integrity. The best-performing membrane achieved removal efficiencies of color 83 % and turbidity 67 %. Microstructural analysis revealed a network of interconnected mesopores, which are particularly effective for the retention of colloidal and suspended contaminants.