Compressive properties of aluminum foams produced by replication route using spheroidal calcium chloride as space holder

Abstract

Spheroidal calcium chloride particle was applied as space holder to produce the aluminum foams via replication casting route. The pore shapes of the aluminum foams are similar to the shapes of spheroidal calcium chloride. The compressive properties of the aluminum foams with spheroidal cell were studied. A good reproducibility in compressive property is achieved at a similar relative density due to the homogenous macro pore-structure of the aluminum foams. The compressive strength and the energy absorption capacity of the aluminum foams increase with increasing relative density. The relation between compressive strength and relative density of the foams is in accord with the Gibson-Ashby model.