Processing, characterization, and properties of aluminum–carbon nanotube open-cell foams

This paper discusses the processing, characterization, and properties of aluminum–carbon nanotube (Al–CNT) open-cell foams. The effect of spark plasma sintering temperature on the developed internal surface macro/microstructure and local mechanical response is discussed. Grain size and amount of oxygen-rich internal scales increased with an increase in sintering temperature. Room temperature spherical indentation tests showed a general decline in load-bearing capacity of the foams with increase in sintering temperature. Cell-wall failure was found to be due to brittle fracture rather than plastic collapse. Analyses of the indentation unloading curves showed Al–CNT foams to be ~16% stiffer than Al foams processed at the same condition.