Improving physical properties of metal foams used in vehicle

In this study, the effectiveness of the manifacturing parameters of metallic foams were investigated. Open and closed-cell metallic foams were produced and different materials and methods were used during the production. In the first method water-soluble materials used as a space holder material (NaCl, Na2CO3) and powder metallurgy method was used. In the second method, metallic foam produced by using the technique of foaming agent and marble powder was used as foaming agent. However in the third method, the fade-type space holder material (expanded silica gel) and vacuum casting method is used. The density of the samples, depending on the production parameters, were calculated. Strains were measured by compression testing, and microstructure of samples was examined by SEM.As a result, characteristics of the samples produced by powder metallurgy were very sensitive to production parameters. At the same time retaining space, the type and rate of dissolution of the water-soluble, closely affects the production of foam. Also foaming agent type and the dissolution rate affects the foam production closely. Uniform pore structure couldn?t be obtained at foaming agent technique. Foam samples were produced more effectively by using vacuum casting method and space holder method. With these methods, foam properties can be controlled more effectively.