Ceramic membranes with high physical and chamical stability based on SiC and Si3N4

Because of their universal applicability under extremely demanding conditions, non-oxide ceramic membranes are able to extend the present area of applications and to realize novel separation techniques. Current tendencies in process engineering towards integrated processes can benefit by these materials. Multifunctional membranes concurrently used, for instance, for catalytical conversions or electrochemical processes and separation may lead to novel routes of chemical synthesis and industrial-scale separation and purification. In addition, the design and technological control of production of porous non-oxide materials is also interesting for other applications. Feasible fields of application range from catalytic technology (high-temperature catalysis, abrasive resistant loose catalyzer in fluid-bed reactors), via aeration equipment in aggresive media (metal melts), to modern gas burner devices and flame arrestor vents. For these reasons porous SiC and Si3N4 ceramics represent an esse ntial and potential material, which can serve as an important component in environmental technological systems.