Aluminum Foams as Metal/Ceramic Composites and their Morphological, Thermo-physical and Mechanical Properties: A Review Study

Abstract

The current work represents a deep review of recent features of aluminum foams and the development in the characteristics of aluminum foams that involve many ceramic additives as foaming agents and stabilizers. These foams have unique thermo-physical properties include lightweight and high strength as well as heat, sound and impact resistant. The study focuses on the procedures and methods to enhance cellular structure pore size and growth behavior of the foam. The improvements in the properties have been extracted from up-to-date research works and literature focusing on the manufacturing processes and progressing in the morphology, mechanical, thermal and physical characteristics. Desired features can be obtained by controlling individual components in the method of process such as using specific aluminum alloys, suitable foaming agents and additives, improving gas injection methods and implementing active procedures in powder compaction.