Composite membranes

摘要

A composite membrane comprises an inorganic support having interstices and porous inorganic films of sintered non-metallic particles carried by the support and bridging the interstices thereof. The support is preferably a woven metal mesh, with the films substantially coplanar with the support. The films may be formed by applying a suspension of refractory particles in a polymer solution to bridge the interstices of the support, and heating the films to partly sinter the particles. Since the films are in compression at ambient temperature, any cracks that may be formed by damage to the composite membrane tend not to propagate.