Desenvolvimento e avaliação de membranas cerâmicas de baixo custo aplicadas ao tratamento de efluentes têxteis

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and characterize low-cost ceramic membranes using sugarcane bagasse as a pore-forming agent, targeting applications in textile wastewater treatment. The proposal is framed within the search for sustainable and economically viable solutions for industrial wastewater treatment, especially considering the increasing scarcity of water resources and the complexity of textile effluents. The ceramic samples were produced by dry uniaxial pressing followed by sintering at 650 °C for 3 hours, using a composition based on bentonite, kaolin, sugarcane bagasse, and starch. Material characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and determination of physical properties, such as water absorption and apparent density, allowing the evaluation of structural transformations and the suitability of the material as a filtration support. The results indicated the formation of a porous structure, with water absorption around 29%, suggesting the presence of open and interconnected pores, which are essential for fluid flow. XRD analysis revealed the predominance of silica-rich phases, especially quartz, while FTIR confirmed the presence of characteristic bonds of aluminosilicate materials, indicating the formation of a stable ceramic matrix after sintering. In filtration tests, the supports exhibited permeate flux values ranging from approximately 68 to 84 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ for both water and textile effluent, demonstrating good permeability and fluid transport capacity. However, dye removal efficiency was limited, ranging from 7% to 14%, indicating that the material acts predominantly as a ceramic support. Therefore, the results demonstrate that the developed ceramic supports have potential for application in filtration systems, particularly as substrates for ceramic membranes. Additionally, the use of sugarcane bagasse stands out as a sustainable and low-cost alternative for the production of porous materials.