Evaluation of mechanical properties of porous alumina ceramics obtained using rice husk as a porogenic agent.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical properties of porous alumina ceramics, using the rice husk as a porogenic element. The rice husk was milled and graded in two granulometry, <65 µm and 65-150 µm, and added in a high purity calcined alumina in the proportion of 5, 15 and 30 wt%. The samples were pressed by uniaxial pressing and sintered at 1450 °C for 1 h. Sintered density, total porosity, Young's modulus, modulus of rupture, and compressive strength were evaluated. Samples were also prepared without the addition of rice husk (RH) in order to compare the properties. Porous ceramics with total porosity ranging from 24% to 54% were produced, and with the composition of 5% RH 65-150 µm, a high porosity value was obtained for a lower loss in mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]