A novel approach to the manufacturing and experimental investigation of closed-cell Al foams

This investigation proposes a modified technique for manufacturing closed-cell aluminum (Al) foams to reduce the cost of the foaming agents during the casting and foaming processes. The addition of foaming agents promotes the uniformity of cell sizes and controls the viscosity of the melting aluminum alloy. This work elucidates the mechanical characteristics of closed-cell aluminum foams under compressive loading. The discussions in this paper cover the compressive stress-strain curve and the densification strain and energy absorption effects of various specimens with various porosities. The thermal conductivity of the aluminum foams is determined, and the results are compared with some theoretical predictions. The optimum parameters for meeting some practical design requirements, such as impact absorption and thermal insulation design applications, are discussed. Finally, an empirical correlation between the normalized yield strength and the relative densities is obtained.