The Role of Cell Collapse Mechanism in Mechanical Performance of Aluminium Foam Fabricated by Melt Processing

Abstract

The study presents mechanical performance metrics, especially, energy absorption, of aluminium foams fabricated by melt processing with CaCO3 blowing agent without Ca additive. Relatively ductile Al1Mg0.6Si alloy and high strength Al6Zn2.3Mg alloy comprising brittle eutectic domains were employed for the foams manufacture and then examined in conditions of uniaxial quasi-static compression. It was recognized that mechanical response of the foams and energy absorption is radically defined by the mechanism of cell collapse which, in turn, depends on the nature of structural constituents of the cell wall material. In particular, the presence of brittle eutectic domains in the cell wall material of foam based on Al6Zn2.3Mg alloy results in reducing the compressive strength and energy absorption compared to those of foam processed with Al1Mg0.6Si alloy, both deviate markedly from the theoretical predictions. In spite of this experimental verification of foams cell collapse is considered to be strongly required before their engineering application.