Development of a closed cell aluminum alloy foam with enhancement of the compressive strength

Abstract

There is a great demand for more weight reduction in aluminum foams for fuel economy in the automotive and aerospace fields. The enhancement of compressive strength in a close-celled aluminum can be achieved by the selection of matrix material or modification of the cellular structure without increasing relative density. A commercial closed-cell aluminum (ALPORAS®) is made by adding foaming agent into a molten alloy. In this study, the matrix aluminum was strengthened by adding 5%Zn and 1%Mg without an increase in weight. The compressive strength of the present foam is found to be approximately twice as high as that of the conventional foam (ALPORAS®).