engleski

Properties and Joining Possibilities of Metal Foam

Metal foams represent a more recent form of cellular metal materials. These are metal materials of cellular structure and 40% to 90% porosity which tend to imitate the structure of natural materials. The cells may be closed and open. Metal foams are most commonly produced on the basis of aluminium (Al) and nickel (Ni). Also available are foams based on titanium (Ti), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), bronze, steel. The basic properties of metal foams are: very low mass, very high specific stiffness, very good sound absorption capacity, flame-retardant property and non flammability and very good impact absorption capacity. In cases of high stresses metal foams are usually reinforced by grids of stainless steel or with aluminium sheets. Most commonly used joining methods are: laser welding (focused laser beams reduce the possibility of cellular structure collapse around the weld itself), welding of sandwich panels using TIG process, formation of separable assemblies (made by means of wooden bolts and using metal inserts with windings) and adhesive joining. This paper will describe metal foams properties, joining methods, mechanical properties of samples joined with Loctite glue and possible application fields.

metal foam; application; joining

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