Tubular porous alumina supports were manufactured by slip casting process for microstructure and permeability study. In this regard, effect of ammonium nitrate addition in presence of Tiron dispersant on slurry stability and microstructure of samples was specifically studied. Furthermore, rejection of ions dissolved in water as well as permeation flux of water was evaluated considering ionic conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and flow rate analyses. Results showed that the addition of ammonium nitrate and Tiron led to more stable initial slurries before slip casting and more porous tubular supports. In this case, the water flux and permeability through the supports were increased considerably. However, as expected, the ions rejection was not affected comparatively for the supports with and without ammonium nitrate.

Keywords: Alumina, Slip casting, Tubular, Porous, Permeability, Slurry, Dispersant.