Many different types of advanced metal matrix composites are now available, some of which possess functional properties. Recent work on particle-reinforced, self-lubricating and self-healing metals and metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) synthesized by solidification synthesis is reviewed. Particlebased MMNCs have been developed by several modern processing tools based on either solidor liquid-...

Accurate information on heat transfer and temperature distribution in metal foams is necessary for design and modelling of thermal-hydraulic systems incorporating metal foams. The analysis of heat transfer requires determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance (TCR) associated with the interface between the metal foam and the adjacent surfaces/lay...

It is well-established that wool and glass fibers are good absorbers for noise-control in air. However, inadequate levels of stiffness and strength have limited the range of the use of such fibers. The emergence of fibrous metal foams has meant rethinking of these limitations. Fibrous metal foams can be filled, not just with air, but also with other types of fluids. This means that altering bot...

A process has been developed for obtaining closed cell metallic foams using a ceramic foam precursor. In the present study, the major constituent of the ceramic foam precursor was iron oxide (Fe2O3), which was mixed with various foaming/setting additives. The mixture set rapidly at room temperature, stabilizing the foam generated by hydrogen release. The oxide foam was then reduced by annealing...

Fabrication of metallic foams by sintering metal powders mixed with thermally degradable compounds is of interest for numerous applications. Compounds releasing gaseous nitrogen, minimizing interactions between the formed gases and metallic foam by diluting other combustion products, were applied. Cysteine and phenylalanine, were used as gas releasing agents during the sintering of elemental Fe...

A novel three-dimensional (3D) metal/metal oxide core/branch array electrode has been fabricated as a supercapacitor electrode. Hollow Ni nanocorn arrays are constructed on Ni foams and act as a highly conductive and stable support to Co3O4 nanoflakes. Enhanced pseudocapacitive performance compared to bare Co3O4 nanosheets is demonstrated with high rate capability and excellent cycling stability.

Unique specifications of metal foams such as relatively low cost, ultra-low density, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, and most importantly, the ability to mix the passing fluid provide them a great potential for a variety of thermal-fluidics

The coating of hollow alumino-silicate microspheres or cenospheres with thin layers of Cu by means of vibration-assisted magnetron sputtering yields a starting material with considerable potential for the production of new types of metal matrix syntactic foams as well as optimized variants of conventional materials of this kind. This study introduces the coating process and the production of ma...

An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the thermal-hydraulic performances of crossflow microchannel condensers using louvered fins and metal foams as extended surfaces. Three copper foam surfaces with pore densities of 10 and 20 PPI and porosities of 89.3% and 94.7% were compared with three aluminum louvered fins with lengths of 27 and 32 mm (in the flow direction) ...

The 3D morphological evolution of titanium foams as they undergo a two-step fabrication process is quantitatively characterized through x-ray microand nano-tomography. In the first process step, a Cu–Ti–Cr–Zr prealloy is immersed in liquid Mg, where Cu is alloyed with Mg while a skeleton of crystalline Ti–Cr–Zr is created. In the second step, the Mg–Cu phase is etched in acid, leaving a Ti–Cr–Z...