We do indeed use commercially pure aluminium in our experiments (99.95%), however, the process also works with alloys, and other people and ourselves have used a range of Al alloys, as well as other metals entirely. As these all have different melting points and different flow characteristics when liquid, all that is necessary is to make some alterations to the conditions used.
Depends how much informaiton you want? There are academic papers published on the topic, you could search for them, but in our case, some of the details are kept secret (e.g. exact temperatures and duration of melt) until they are published.
Although many people have made porous metals in this way, which gives syntactic foams, we have not tried it. There is no reason why it wouldn't work in the same process though.
Fascinating work, I would like to know does the quantity of salt used proportionately affect the porosity of the sponge/ foam? Do the alumina hollow spheres have any advantage in this respect?
Now that you've made the foam, what are you currently doing to market it??? I have designed a tool for the plumbing industry, and this may be the answer. Is the foam a good heat exchanger??
While foams of this type are new, and there is a lot still to find out in research, we are working with a company to commercialise foams made in a similar way - they are calling them corevo foams, and their brochure is available on their website if you google 'innovation cells switzerland' (comments don't allow links to be posted) What's your application exaclty?
We do indeed use commercially pure aluminium in our experiments (99.95%), however, the process also works with alloys, and other people and ourselves have used a range of Al alloys, as well as other metals entirely. As these all have different melting points and different flow characteristics when liquid, all that is necessary is to make some alterations to the conditions used.
Depends how much informaiton you want? There are academic papers published on the topic, you could search for them, but in our case, some of the details are kept secret (e.g. exact temperatures and duration of melt) until they are published.
that materials used to seal the container and lids. that coating used to prevent the molten metal sticking to the container
Although many people have made porous metals in this way, which gives syntactic foams, we have not tried it. There is no reason why it wouldn't work in the same process though.
Interesting. Is there a way i could get more information on the process itself rather than just the video here?
What type of salt did you use? thanks!
Fascinating work, I would like to know does the quantity of salt used proportionately affect the porosity of the sponge/ foam? Do the alumina hollow spheres have any advantage in this respect?
Now that you've made the foam, what are you currently doing to market it??? I have designed a tool for the plumbing industry, and this may be the answer. Is the foam a good heat exchanger??
Another salt may be used. Has you used a different salt to NaCl
Am I correct in assuming that this is done with a relatively pure AL? If so; has any alloying been attempt as of yet?
While foams of this type are new, and there is a lot still to find out in research, we are working with a company to commercialise foams made in a similar way - they are calling them corevo foams, and their brochure is available on their website if you google 'innovation cells switzerland' (comments don't allow links to be posted)
What's your application exaclty?
That material is the mold or container