To solve the problem of stacking complexity and different shrinkage perpendicular to the membrane during constrained sintering process

an improved pore evolution model with key parameters was improved. Considering the aggregation

initial porosity as the critical parameter of model was adjusted. Then the shrinkage and shrinkage rate in the perpendicular direction to the membrane could be calculated with the theory of constrained sintering

and its effect on the pore size of supported membrane was investigated. On the basis of the improved model

the change of mean pore size

porosity and thickness of zirconium supported membrane with sintering temperature could be predicted quantitatively in the temperature range from 800℃ to 1200℃. The prediction calculated from the improved model fitted the experimental data better than that from the previous model. It provides an effective tool in predicting and controlling the pore size of ceramic membranes during the sintering process. Furthermore

substituting the pore size

porosity and membrane thickness calculated from the model into Hagen-Poiseuille law predicted the pure water flux accurately.