Processing and mechanical properties of magnesium foams

An open-cellular magnesium foam has been manufactured by using powder metallurgy technology basing on space holder fillers in the present study. Depending on the volume fraction and the diameter of the carbamide particles, the porosity and pore size can be controlled in the range of 40-80% and 0.5-2.0 mm, respectively. Quasi-static compressive tests indicate that the mechanical behavior of the present magnesium foam is in good agreement with the Gibson-Ashby model when the porosity is over 45%. The most outstanding mechanical feature, however, may be its long and flat plateau region that is favorable for energy absorbing applications.