Relationship between foam stabilization and physical properties of particles on aluminum foam production

Abstract

Experimental investigation of the foam stabilizing factors that influence aluminum foam fabrication is crucial to improve the foaming process. Solid particles contribute to an increase of the viscosity of the liquid phase and overall foam stability. Foam stability depends on the liquid type, wettability and the shape of solid particles. Even though a poor wettable particle contributes effectively to enhance liquid viscosity, the particle leads to the collapse of the foam cell due to the poor energy balance at the interface between the solid and the liquid. In our study, the effect of particles was investigated using both water solutions and an aluminum melts. We show that not only the relative viscosity, but also the physical properties of solid particles need consideration during aluminum foam production. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.