Foam Aluminum

aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a cellular internal structure. When sealed, hydrogen-filled metallic bubbles render the foam aluminum impermeable to gas and water. To a large extent, the properties of foam aluminum depend on density and on the properties of the starting material. The density of foam aluminum varies from 0.23 to 0.75 g/cm³, and the compression strength, resilience, and modulus of elasticity decrease in direct proportion to density. Foam aluminum, which is easily machined, soldered, and welded, has low thermal conductivity and is both corrosion resistant and airtight. It withstands hydrostatic pressures up to 10–13 meganewtons per square meter, or 100–130 kilograms-force per square centimeter. It is manufactured in strips, round or rectangular ingots, and shaped billets. Foam aluminum is widely used in the construction industry, machine building, and shipbuilding.