The processing and properties of syntactic Al foams containing low cost expanded glass particles

Wright, Andrew; Kennedy, Andrew R.

Abstract

Expanded glass particles (EGP) are used to manufacture Al syntactic foams using a simple vacuum casting method. Clamping of the casting in the stainless steel mold is observed when preheating the mold to >400 C, causing damage to the EGP, resulting in a weaker foam but with the significant advantage of eliminating the yield drop, improving the energy absorption characteristics. The same effect in castings that are not clamped (for mold preheats <400 °C) can be achieved by quenching in liquid nitrogen. These “low strength” syntactic metal foams are a cost-effective alternative to metal foams and porous metals (in terms of specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption) rather than “conventional” syntactic foams which contain smaller, stronger, hollow microspheres.

Citation

Wright, A., & Kennedy, A. R. (in press). The processing and properties of syntactic Al foams containing low cost expanded glass particles. Advanced Engineering Materials, https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201600467

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 19, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 27, 2016
• Deposit Date: Dec 2, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 2, 2016
• Journal: Advanced Engineering Materials
• Print ISSN: 1438-1656
• Electronic ISSN: 1527-2648
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201600467
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/809302
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adem.201600467/abstract
• Additional Information: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Wright, A. and Kennedy, A. (2016), The processing and properties of syntactic Al foams containing low cost expanded glass particles. Advanced Engineering Materials, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1002/adem.201600467. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
• Contract Date: Dec 2, 2016