Mechanical Characterization of Particulate Aluminum Foams-Strain-Rate, Density and Matrix Alloy versus Adhesive Effects

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials Vol. 12; no. 7; pp. 596 - 603
• Main Authors: Lehmhus, Dirk, Baumeister, Joachim, Stutz, Lennart, Schneider, Eduard, Stöbener, Karsten, Avalle, Massimiliano, Peroni, Lorenzo, Peroni, Marco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.07.2010; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Adhesive bonding; Aluminum base alloys; Aluminum foam; Bonding agents; Density; Energy absorption; Foamed metals; Foams; Hybrid material; Loads (forces); Mechanical properties; Metal foam; Polyamide resins; Strain rate effect
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.200900315

The study evaluates mechanical properties of APM particulate aluminum foams built up from adhesively bonded Al foam spheres. Foams of matrix alloy AlSi10 are compared, with PM AlSi7 foams used as reference. The influence of density is studied both for quasi‐static and dynamic compressive loading in a range from ∼0.35 to 0.71 g cm−3. The effect of varying the bonding agent is evaluated for a single density and both strain rate levels by replacing the standard, high‐strength epoxy‐based adhesive with a polyamide of greatly increased ductility. The result is a clear shift of fracture events to higher strain levels, as well as the introduction of a strain‐rate dependency of strength. The present paper gives an overview of the mechanical properties of different grades of APM type particulate aluminum foams. Behavior both under quasi‐static and dynamic loading conditions is considered. The influence of density on compressive response is quantitatively evaluated for the matrix alloy AlSi10, while the effect of the adhesive is qualitatively studied by comparing a brittle epoxy‐based system with a ductile, thermoplastic PA.