Mechanical characterization of particulate aluminum foams - strain-rate, density and matrix alloy versus adhesive effects

The study evaluates mechanical properties of APM particulate aluminum foams built up from adhesively bonded Al foam spheres. Foams of matrix alloy AlSi10 are compared, with PM AlSi7 foams used as reference. The influence of density is studied both for quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading in a range from similar to 0.35 to 0.71 g cm(-3). The effect of varying the bonding agent is evaluated for a single density and both strain rate levels by replacing the standard, high-strength epoxy-based adhesive with a polyamide of greatly increased ductility. The result is a clear shift of fracture events to higher strain levels, as well as the introduction of a strain-rate dependency of strength.