Effect of processing parameters on morphology and plateau stress of AlSi and AlSiMg foams

In this work, aluminium foams produced by the powder metallurgy route are evaluated. This kind of aluminium foams have a high potential in weight-sensitive construction parts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the properties (in terms of foam morphology and plateau stress) and to optimize three control factors chosen: temperature, precursor material and mean of cooling. AlSi10 and AlSi0.6Mg1commercial foamable precursors are the starting materials. Different set of samples are realized following the DoE approach; manufactured samples have been morphologically and mechanically analyzed to evaluate what level of each parameter better influences the final quality of the foam. Temperature and mean of cooling have a great influence on the mechanical behavior of the foamed structure.