Porous alumina membrane supports with submicrometer pores, sintered at 1300-1400℃, were prepared by using milled raw powders with various periods (0-7days), the press molding of 40MPa and with or without further cold isostatic pressing of 100MPa (CIP). The relationship between processing factors, pore size and microstructure was examined. Varying the sintering temperature, the press condition and the period of mill were found to be effective for controlling pore size and porosity. The porosities of the membrane supports sintered at 1400℃ showed 13.45%, which could be controlled by the particle size of raw powder and the packing density of green body. The pore size and particle size increased with increased sintering temperature. These were found to be closely correlated with the formation of developed neck area and the grain coarsening during sintering. However, even when sintered at 1400℃, the pore sizes of supports from 3days and no.milled powders showed the fine sizes of 0.34 and 0.51μm, respectively.
