Replication Processing of Highly Porous Materials

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 795 - 803
• Main Authors: Conde, Y., Despois, J.-F., Goodall, R., Marmottant, A., Salvo, L., San Marchi, C., Mortensen, A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.09.2006; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellular materials; Exact sciences and technology; Metals. Metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Processing; Production techniques; Material processing; Metal foam; Replication; Infiltration; Microstructure; Preform; Porous material
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.200600077

There exist several methods for the production of highly porous materials; among these, replication processing is well‐adapted for open‐pore microcellular structures. The process begins by making a porous preform, open pores of which are filled with the foam material. Thereafter the preform is removed, generally by shaking or by dissolution, leaving an interconnected porous network within the foam material. We give here a general description of the process and its variants. We then give a brief overview of its fundamentals, placing particular focus on pathways it offers for microstructural tailoring and control. The article gives an review of the state‐of‐the‐art for the Replication process as it is practiced for the production of microcellular metals or ceramics. It includes a general description of the process and its variants and gives a brief overview of fundamentals, placing particular focus on pathways it offers for microstructural tailoring and control.