New Processing Techniques of Ceramic Foams

摘要

Three different manufacturing techniques for producing ceramic foams with cell densities greater than 108 cells/cm3 and cells smaller than 50 μm have been developed: a gas-bubble formation method, an expansion method, and a reaction method that incorporates reactive fillers. The techniques developed in this study offer substantial flexibility for producing foams whereby cell size, morphology, degree of interconnectivity, relative density, and mechanical properties can all be effectively controlled. It is demonstrated that the adjustment of processing parameters, filler compositions, and pyrolysis conditions enables the possibility of tailoring the microstructure, composition, and properties of the ceramic foams. The present results suggest that the proposed novel processing techniques are suitable for the manufacture of ceramic foams with high morphological uniformity and with superior mechanical properties.