A novel approach for in-situ producing Al2O3/aluminum matrix syntactic foam with high specific strength
Chuyan Hu, Liying Shen, Zhenhui Huang, Linchao Wang, Bohan Wang, Qiang Liu, Feng Ye
Abstract
Low-density foams with high strength are eagerly desired to use as energy absorption and shock isolation systems during transportation. In this work, an Al 2 O 3 /aluminum matrix syntactic foam with a density of 1.41 g/cm 3 and a compressive strength of 238 MPa was prepared by a novel approach, which specific strength outperforms the most advanced aluminum matrix syntactic foams as reported in the literature. Especially, the hollow Al 2 O 3 spheres were produced by an in-situ reaction of the hollow glass beads in this foam. Moreover, an electric current was first utilized in this new approach, which proved to have a crucial effect on the in-situ reaction, making the hollow glass beads rapidly and completely transform into Al 2 O 3 spheres to improve interface conditions . The approach is believed to provide a favorable strategy to design different metal matrix syntactic foams with improved performance.