The effect of thermal processing parameters on the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy foam

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of three thermal processing parameter called stress relieving on mechanical properties of the aluminium alloy foam. Design/methodology/approach: The samples were undergone by stress relieving method using vacuum furnace. Hardness measurement was carried out using microhardness Vickers at 150 mN load and 15 s loading time. Compressive strength, plateau stress and energy absorption were calculated using a universal testing machine. Findings: It was found that the highest value of hardness of 192.78 Hv was obtained when the stress relieving process is set with the following parameters: heating (500°C); holding time (120 min) and stabilization temperature (450°C). Since higher heating temperature and longer holding time produce sample with larger grain size and has an adverse effect on the hardness value It was revealed that the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy foam were enhanced when the heating temperature was decreased, holding temperature was diminished and the stabilization temperature was increased. Overall, the presented results showed that the thermal processing parameters such as heating temperature, holding time and stabilization temperature have a significant influence on improving the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy foam. Research limitations/implications: The properties of closed-cell aluminium alloy foam are highly sensitive and depend on the post heat treatment process. The processing parameters should be controlled in order to manipulate the properties of closed-cell aluminium alloy foam. Originality/value: To investigate the influences of these processing parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of the closed-cell aluminium alloy foam.