A novel approach for in-situ producing Al2O3/aluminum matrix syntactic foam with high specific strength

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 960; p. 170708
• Main Authors: Hu, Chuyan, Shen, Liying, Huang, Zhenhui, Wang, Linchao, Wang, Bohan, Liu, Qiang, Ye, Feng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.10.2023
• Subjects: Al2O3 sphere; Electric current; In-situ reaction; Metal matrix composites; Metal matrix composites; Al2O3 sphere; In-situ reaction; Electric current
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.170708

Low-density foams with high strength are eagerly desired to use as energy absorption and shock isolation systems during transportation. In this work, an Al2O3/aluminum matrix syntactic foam with a density of 1.41 g/cm3 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 Al2O3 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 Al2O3 spheres to improve interface conditions. The approach is believed to provide a favorable strategy to design different metal matrix syntactic foams with improved performance. [Display omitted] •Al2O3/Al matrix syntactic foams with a high specific strength were firstly prepared via the assistance of electric current.•The raw hollow glass beads were completely transformed into new Al2O3 hollow spheres stimulated by the electric current.•Interfaces were reinforced by the in-situ reaction, and hence the syntactic foams were strengthened.•The effects of the electric current on the reaction and the related mechanism were detailly discussed.