Author: M.A. Suarez, I.A. Figueroa, G. Gonzalez, G.A. Lara-Rodriguez, O. Novelo-Peralta, I. Alfonso, I.J. Calvo
Institute: Institute for Materials Research, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Circuito Exterior S/N, Cd. Universitaria, CP 04510 Mexico City, DF, Mexico
The production of Al-Cu-Fe metal foams without foaming agents or blowing agents is an innovative approach in materials science that opens up new horizons for the creation of lightweight and strong structural components. Unlike traditional methods used to mold metal foams, this process allows for the production of porous materials without the need for additional chemicals that can complicate the process chain.
The key advantage of this technology is the ability to precisely control the microstructure and pore size, which in turn allows optimizing the mechanical properties of the resulting material. Based on the thermodynamic principles of the Al-Cu-Fe system, it is possible to achieve a uniform distribution of pores in the matrix, which significantly improves both the strength and rigidity of the final product.
The scope of application of such metal foams is wide: from the aerospace industry to the automotive industry, where strength and weight characteristics are important. The use of foam-free technologies makes the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, which certainly affects the competitiveness of production in the modern market.
Metal foams are a unique class of materials widely used due to their lightweight, shock-absorbing properties, as well as their breathability, water permeability, and special acoustic properties, along with low thermal conductivity. By definition, metal foams are porous metals with porosity levels that range from 40 to 98 percent. Given the variety of properties that metal foams can provide, there is a growing need for new manufacturing methods that control the size and distribution of the pores. Known manufacturing technologies are classified by the state of the substance they are processed with, where the main methods include passing a gas through the molten metal and adding a foam generator. Powder metallurgy and liquid metal infiltration methods are also widely used to create foams with improved properties.
Quasicrystalline alloys attract attention due to their unique physical properties, which are different from conventional crystalline materials. These alloys have a combination of low electrical and thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance, which makes them suitable for various industrial applications. However, their complex multiphase structure and brittleness limit their practical use.