Synthesis of open cell metal foams by microwave radiation route

摘要

A manufacturing route to produce open cell metal sponges without using polymer foam templates has been developed. The process consisted in the preparation of a liquid precursor by mixing an epoxy resin, a metal powder and a foaming agent. The precursor was then poured in a mold and foamed in a microwave furnace. In a successive thermal treatment the polymeric matrix was removed to obtain the final metal foam. In this paper the preparation of a copper foam is reported and the influence of the main process parameters on the final product characteristics is discussed.