Kaolin based ceramic supports were prepared using different amounts of calcium and sodium carbonates. The mean pore size and water permeability were in the range 0.3–0.8μm and 78–1027L/hm2bar, respectively. Relatively higher porosity, permeability (due to large pores) and chemical stability were obtained for calcium carbonate supports, whereas, higher pore density values (due to small pores) and mechanical strength were obtained for sodium carbonate supports. Mercury intrusion porosimetry confirmed the results of permeation tests. Results indicated that 20wt% calcium carbonate and 10wt% sodium carbonate are optimum in terms of porosity, mean pore-size and pore-density. A selected support (C2) having 0.5μm pore size, 37% porosity and 48MPa flexural strength was validated for microfiltration of oil-in-water emulsions.