Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Micrograph Library Micrograph 630 and full record

Micrograph 630 and full record

Link to image file for micrograph 630
Micrograph no
630
Brief description
FOAMCARP closed cell aluminium foam
Keywords
alloy Link to MATTER Glossary entry for alloy, aluminium Link to MATTER Glossary entry for aluminium, aluminium foam, cell Link to MATTER Glossary entry for cell, composite foam, composite material Link to MATTER Glossary entry for composite material, foam Link to MATTER Glossary entry for foam, FOAMCARP, metal
Categories
Foam, Metal or alloy, Metal or alloy composite foam
System
Al
Composition
Not specified
Standard codes
Reaction
Calcium carbonate is used as a foaming agent
Processing
Foaming was instigated by a 10 minute anneal at 650 degrees C
Applications
Closed cell aluminium foams are an ultra-light material, with potential structural applications in transport and construction. They may also be used in energy absorbing structures and heat exchangers
Sample preparation
Technique
Photography (no microscope)
Length bar
6 mm
Further information
Additions such as SiC are made to molten aluminium or aluminium alloy to modify the melt viscosity and make it suitable for foaming. Calcium carbonate is then added to the melt which is solidified to form a precursor which can be foamed in a controlled manner by a subsequent heat treatment. The resulting foam has a fine and relatively uniform cell structure.
Contributor
D C Curran
Organisation
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge
Date
03/10/02
Licence for re-use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
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