Effect of Foaming Agent on the Structure and Morphology of Al and Alumix 231 Foams Produced by Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

In this study various amounts of foaming agent (TiH2 % 0,5-1-1,5-2 ) were added to Al and Alumix 231 powders (Al-Cu %2,5-Mg %0,5–Si %14) and mixed for 30 minutes in a three dimensional turbula. Mixed powders were compacted and then foamed freely at 690°C. Effect of foaming agent on the structure, shape and distribution of pores together with linear expansion, density of the foam and wall thickness of the cell of both materials were investigated. In all conditions foam produced from Alumix 231 powders had more homogenous distribution of the pore compare to the sample produced from pure Al powders.