Al and Zn Foams Blown by an Intrinsic Gas Source

Abstract

Abstract A method was developed to produce Al‐ and Zn‐based foams with a uniform distribution of small cells. Pre‐alloyed AlMg50 powder containing hydrogen was used as a replacement for the usual blowing agent TiH 2 . AlMg50 powder released gas uniformly in the entire sample, caused the nucleation of a large number of cells and led to simultaneous growth that finally resulted in a uniform cell structure. The expansion behavior of these foams was studied by means of in situ X‐ray radioscopy. The macrostructure of the solidified foams was then analyzed through optical microscopy and X‐ray tomography and proved to be very uniform. The high strength of the foams was demonstrated by uni‐axial compression tests.