Full Record for Micrograph 636

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Micrograph no: 636
Brief description: Alporas' closed cell aluminium foam
Keywords: alloy , Alporas, aluminium , aluminium foam, cell , composite foam, composite material , foam , metal
Categories: Foam, Metal or alloy, Metal or alloy composite foam
System: Al
Composition: Not specified
Standard codes
Reaction: Titanium hydride is used as a foaming agent
Processing: The 'Alporas' technique involves use of 1 to 3 wt% titanium hydride to a modified melt as a foaming agent
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 are made to molten aluminium or aluminium alloy to modify the melt viscosity and make it suitable for foaming. 1 to 3 wt% titanium hydride is then added to the melt, and this foams the melt by releasing hydrogen. The foamed melt solidifies to yield a closed cellular structure with an average cell size of 4.5 mm
Contributor: Dr V Gergely
Organisation: Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge
Date: 03/10/02
Licence for re-use: Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales