Effect of Powder Surface Oxide on Compressive Properties of Aluminium Foams

The compressive properties of aluminium foams have been shown to be affected by the oxide content in aluminium powders. An increase in the oxide content results in increasing compressive strength and energy absorption of the foams. Oxides were found to form a network of crumpled films which retards the drainage of aluminium melt during foaming. The presence of larger oxide network in foam structure due to higher oxide content in aluminium powders can effectively strengthen the Plateau borders and cell walls of the foams.