Y. Bhambri, J. Snider, V. Sikka, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN; L. Boyd, R. Purgert, Energy Industries of Ohio, Independence, OH
A new processing technique for producing Aluminum based foam (Alfa foam) containing fly ash has been developed. The processing method for producing Alfa foam with different particulate aggregate sizes has been discussed. The foam is characterized for mechanical properties as well as microstructure. Detailed image analysis reveals that difference in mechanical properties among foams of different particulate sizes is due to variation in relative amount of constituent phases. Work is continuing in altering the processing parameters in the production of Alfa foams to meet the application demands of foam in acoustic damping and structural panels.
Summary: A new processing technique for producing Aluminum based foam (Alfa foam) containing fly ash has been developed. The processing method for producing Alfa foam with different particulate aggregate sizes has been discussed. The foam is characterized for mechanical properties as well as microstructure. Detailed image analysis reveals that difference in mechanical properties among foams of different particulate sizes is due to variation in relative amount of constituent phases. Work is continuing in altering the processing parameters in the production of Alfa foams to meet the application demands of foam in acoustic damping and structural panels.
