Manufacturing of functionally graded porous aluminum of dissimilar aluminum alloy

Abstract

Porous aluminum is a multifunctional material with lightweight and high energy absorption properties. In this study, using A1050 and A6061 (Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloy), functionally graded porous aluminum was fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) route precursor method. First, A1050 and A6061 precursors were fabricated separately by FSP route. Next, these precursors were bonded by friction stir welding (FSW) and "composite graded precursor" was fabricated. Finally, precursor was heattreated for foaming and A1050-A6061 functionally graded porous aluminum was fabricated. By EPMA observation, existence of Mg atoms was gradually changing at the bonding region. It was shown that seamless functionally graded porous aluminum can be fabricated by FSP route. © 2010 The Japan Institute of Metals.