| Abstract Scope |
This study investigated that compared to steel hollow spheres, the newly developed cermet hollow spheres (CHS) became more important as pore-creating agents in improving the mechanical performance of closed-cell aluminum foam, especially in enhancing compressive yield strength, deformation strain and energy absorption capacity. The CHSs were used to reinforce the molten Al-12Si-4Cu alloy and develop the foam samples using the infiltration casting process. The CHSs were fabricated from a mixture of SiC and stainless-steel powders at a ratio of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% SiC in the steel. This CHS reinforcement significantly improved the foam's performance. Hence, the LM24-CHS foam samples were examined and characterized for their strength, density, energy absorption and potential applications. Compared to aluminum foam developed earlier by reinforcing aluminum matrix with steel hollow spheres, the current LM24-CHS foam has a higher energy absorption capacity of 88 MJ/m3. Its density, compressive strength, densification strain and porosity were found to be 1.5g/cm3,400MPa, 34% and 67%, respectively. |