Effect of enamel coatings on the mechanical properties of aluminium foams

In many fields of application, the aluminium foam panels could undergo flexural loads or impact forces. The presence of a vitreous layer influences the foam's response. Four different enamel systems, deposited on aluminium closed-cell foam, are studied. The bending stiffness values are obtained using a 4-point bending test and then the Young's modulus and the strength are extrapolated using a transformed section method. To evaluate the cracking behavior an indentation test was performed. A better sintered filling increases the bending stiffness and strength, moreover the presence of a primer layer may cause an early fracture in the coating.