Production of al based metallic foam by powder metallurgy technique

In this study, aluminium based metallic foams was produced by using powder metallurgy technique. Effect of production parameters such as; foaming temperature, foaming time, amount of foaming agent and deformation rate on the production of foam were determined. In experimental study, aluminium and titanium hydrite (TiH2) powders were mixed and compacted under 300 MPa pressure to produce powder blanks. Compact samples were preheated to 350 °C in a furnace and deformed with various amount. Samples were foamed at 680 °C and 700 °C for various foaming times and then cooled to room temperature in air. During hating, as the TiH2 decomposes and releases hydrogen which causes to expand the sample uniaxally. Effect of production parametrs on the pore size, shape and linear expansion coefficient of aluminium foam samples were investigated. Samples foamed at 680 °C and 700 °C were expanded in the direction of compaction. However, it was found that, pore size and linear expansion increased with increasing the foaming times and temperatures. Increasing pore size and linear expansion resulted in a decrease in foam density. Pore size and linear expansion coefficient were found to be increased with increasing the foaming agentKey Words : Powder Metallurgy, Metalic Foam, Aluminium, Porosity