EFFECT OF Al2O3 ADDITION ON THE FOAMABILITY BEHAVIOUR OF ALUMINUM AND ALUMIX 231 BASED METALLIC FOAM

In this study, pure aluminum and pre-alloyed alumix 231 (al-cu %2,5-mg %0,5–si %14) based composite foams reinforced with al2o3 particulate have been produced by powder metallurgy route. 1% titanium hydrate powders and 1-3-5-7% al2o3 particulates have been added to al and alumix 231 powders and mixed in a three dimensional mixer. mixed powders were then pressed at 600 mpa pressure to produce block samples which were sintered at 550 °c for 3 hours. after then foaming process has been carried out at 690 and 710 °c. foamed samples were taken from the furnace and cooled in open air. effects of al2o3 particles on the lineer expansion, density and the size of porosity have been determined.