Synthesis of Alpha-Al2o3 Based Foams with Improved Properties as Catalyst Carriers

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility of synthesising catalyst supports with improved properties. Alumina foams were produced with the polymer replication technique. Representative high- and low-temperature sintering ceramics were selected. Suitable suspension amounts, the clay addition and sintering temperature were determined. A lower sintering temperature was used for an economic enhancement of the process. The sintering was conducted at the temperatures from 1573 K to 1773 K for 60 min. A comparative analysis of the studied systems shows that the best compressive strength of 6.2 MPa was achieved with the system based on the alpha-Al2O3-25 clay (mass fractions, w/%), polyester foam with 10 PPI, sintered at 1673 K.