Newest developments in metal foam application

It is well known that aluminum foam is a construction material appropriate for numerous applications. But the widespread use of aluminum is still hampered by the high production costs caused by a costly production method and expensive starting materials. In the present work alternative, cheaper starting materials are subject of investigation. The results presented demonstrate that aluminum chips may be successfully used as base material instead of atomized powders. It has also been proven that good foaming rates can be achieved with calcium carbonate as foaming agent for aluminum. New fields of application have been found. So first projects in the area of ship building for new ultra light ice going vessels, architectural applications in temporary buildings and as balcony platform have been established and described in the article.