On the development of porous nickel through gelcasting technique

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, a slurry-based technique has been developed for the manufacturing of porous nickel structures for capillary pumping systems. The application of porous Ni structures to capillary pumping systems requires porosity levels higher than 40% and pore size diameter lower than 20 μm. Irregular type open pores are observed in the sintered blanks. The porosity level and volume shrinkage decreases and increases with increase in sintering temperature, respectively. The compressive flow stress-strain curves exhibit three distinct regions namely, (i) linear region characterised by elastic modulus, (ii) corresponds to plastic yield and buckling of pore ligaments and (iii) densification region characterised by increasing slope. As the sintering temperature increases, porosity level decreases and resulting in increase in the plateau and densification stress.