Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Foam by Conventional Casting Combined with NaCl Space Holder

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the correlation of the aluminium foams mechanical properties in terms of the effect between its density and porosity as well as between its compressive strength and energy absorption of aluminium foam produced by space holder technique. The space holder used was NaCl particle with three different sizes and conditions. The space holders were completely filled the cavity prior pouring of molten aluminium by CO2 sand casting. Then, the samples underwent machining process to remove surface imperfection after casting, followed by water leaching in ultrasonic cleaner to remove the space holder. The higher the porosity, the lower the compressive strength but then again it acts as good energy absorption. Aluminium foam using NaCl size range of 10-15 mm has the highest energy absorption.