Investigation via morphological analysis of aluminium foams produced by replication casting

摘要: Foams and porous materials with cellular structure have many interesting combinations of physical mechanical properties coupled low specific weight. By means replication casting it is possible to manufacture foams from molten metal without direct foaming. A soluble salt used as space holder, which removed by leaching in water. This can be done successfully if the content holding fillers so high that all granules are interconnected. One main advantages using a close control pore sizes given distribution particle filler material. contrasts size foamed other processes where wider statistical pores found. On hand, maximum porosities achieved holders limited values below 60%, whereas methods allow for up 98%. Temperature mould infiltration pressure critical process parameters: typical problem encountered premature solidification melt, especially due heat capacity salt. In this work foam such cell shape, anisotropy defect presence investigated digital image processing technique. For purpose replicated AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy produced infiltrating preforms NaCl particles, varying preheating temperature. An original procedure based on analysis has been set determine size, morphology cells. The paper demonstrates methodology, microstructural analysis, useful tool investigating effects parameters properties.