EP0483184B1 - A process of manufacturing particle reinforced metal foam and product thereof - Google Patents

A process of manufacturing particle reinforced metal foam and product thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0483184B1
EP0483184B1 EP90910522A EP90910522A EP0483184B1 EP 0483184 B1 EP0483184 B1 EP 0483184B1 EP 90910522 A EP90910522 A EP 90910522A EP 90910522 A EP90910522 A EP 90910522A EP 0483184 B1 EP0483184 B1 EP 0483184B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
metal
foam
gas
process according
molten
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90910522A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0483184A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Walter Ruch
Bjorn Kirkevag
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cymat Corp
Original Assignee
Norsk Hydro ASA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=19892250&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0483184(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Norsk Hydro ASA filed Critical Norsk Hydro ASA
Priority to AT90910522T priority Critical patent/ATE100867T1/en
Publication of EP0483184A1 publication Critical patent/EP0483184A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0483184B1 publication Critical patent/EP0483184B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22CALLOYS
    • C22C1/00Making non-ferrous alloys
    • C22C1/08Alloys with open or closed pores
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22CALLOYS
    • C22C1/00Making non-ferrous alloys
    • C22C1/08Alloys with open or closed pores
    • C22C1/083Foaming process in molten metal other than by powder metallurgy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process of providing metal foam and more particularly to a process resulting in provision of thin wall closed cell particle reinforced metal foam.
  • foams There are several ways to produce foams. Different foaming techniques are known such as incorporating hydrides in the molten metal or adding organic compounds which release gases on heating. Vapor deposition on polymeric substrates or casting of metal around granules which are then leached out leaving a porous metal structure are other examples of providing metals with cellular structure.
  • the process of foam formation using blowing agents is affected by the surface tension and viscosity of the actual melt.
  • the viscosity counteracts bursting of the cell walls during a progressive increase in the volume of the formed bubbles, while a low surface tension will favour formation of thin bubble walls.
  • foams being gas-in-solid dispersions are largely determined by their density, but the cell size, structure and their distribution are also important parameters influencing the properties.
  • foamed metals are produced by adding a gas evolving compound to the molten metal followed by heating of the resultant mixture to decompose the compound and to produce expanding cellulating gases.
  • the foaming compound is usually metal hydride such as TiH2 or ZrH2, and after the foaming step the mould is cooled to form a solid foam material. Cells of non-uniform structure and/or undesirably large size are experienced due to the difficulties with uniform distribution of the evolving gas through the whole volume of the foamed metal.
  • GB patent No. 1.287.994 discloses a process for preparation of metal foams applying a viscosity increasing agent comprising an inert gas or an oxygen containing material gaseous at the melt conditions and treating the thus produced viscous melt with a foaming agent.
  • Air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and water are preferably used in the process as viscosity increasing agents in amounts from 1 to 6 grams per 100 grams of metal alloy.
  • Metal hydrides are used as foaming agents (hafnium, titanium or zirconium hydrides) in amounts of from 0,5 to 1,0 grams per 100 grams of alloy.
  • the increase in viscosity is enhanced by the presence of a promoter metal, e.g. from 4 to 7 weight% magnesium is used in aluminium alloys.
  • a promoter metal e.g. from 4 to 7 weight% magnesium is used in aluminium alloys.
  • a good mixing technique is required, the addition of foaming agents is usually carried out at a tempera- ture lower than addition of the viscosity increasing agent in a separate second vessel.
  • the disclosed batchwise process achieving better foams with regard to uniform size and distribution of the cells, and claiming a certain reduction in the consumption of foaming agents, is a rather complicated time consuming and expensive process requiring several process steps and units based on use of expensive heat decomposible gas evolving compounds (hydrides).
  • European patent application No. 0 210 803 discloses a similar batchwise method of producing foamed metals based on use of from 0,2 to 8,0 weight% metallic calcium as viscosity adjusting agent and titanium hydride in amounts of from 1 to 3 weight% of the molten melt as foaming agent.
  • Still another method of producing cellularized metal by decomposition of a heat-decomposable gas evolving compound in molten metal is disclosed in US patent No. 3.297.431.
  • the improvement comprises addition of an intimately dispersed, finely divided powder to the metal prior to decomposition of the gas evolving compound (carbonates or hydrides), or dissolving of gas in the melt.
  • the stabilizing powders may be metals or non-metals, elements or compounds, and two wettable powders are preferentially used where one of which forms a solid alloy with the metal.
  • the gas is dissolved at one pressure and then evolved at a second lower pressure.
  • a drawback in common for the hitherto known processes is that all of them are batchwise operating processes using either expensive gas evolving compounds or dissolved gases as cellulating means and viscosity increasing or stabilizing additives to achieve quality metal foams.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for upgrading of scrap metal material.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel type of particle reinforced metal foam having improved mechanical properties.
  • a metal foam of the closed cell type structure having a uniform density and cell structure can be provided simply by feeding of finely dispersed cellulating gas into a molten particle reinforced metal matrix composite material (PMMC).
  • PMMC metal matrix composite material
  • No special additives adjusting the viscosity of the melt or particular precautions with regard to the distribution of the cellulating gas bubbles through the melt were required.
  • the gas bubbles rise to the top of the melt and form foam gradually increasing in volume. No tendency to bursting of the foam cells when they reach the melt surface was observed. This indicates a (highly) stabilized surface of the gas bubbles.
  • the upper portion of the foam cake solidifies and can be easily removed.
  • Fig. 2 shows in natural size a photographic picture of the resultant foam sample removed as the solidified top part of the foam cake.
  • the cross-section of the sample exhibits a uniform distribution of cells having a diameter in the range of from 1 to 5 mm.
  • the density of the sample was measured to 0,2 g/cm3.
  • the achieved pores (cells) are essentially spherical and closed providing the foamed metal with isotropic properties in all directions, especially with regard to energy adsorption.
  • Metallographic examination of the structure on the samples achieved from Example 1 reveals an extremely thin walled foam structure, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • the wall thickness in this metallograph picture, magnification of 20, is in order of the reinforcing SiC particle size approximately 12 ⁇ m.
  • Fig. 4 The mechanical behaviour of the produced foam is represented in Fig. 4 illustrating the results from the testing of compressive stress conducted on the samples from Example 1.
  • the achieved flat stress/strain curve from the samples having an initial height of 26 mm applying a crosshead velocity of 2 mm/min. is typical for this type of material as long as the cell structure did not collapse completely.
  • the energy absorption of this foam was determined to be 2 kJ/l foam, which is a very favourable value compared to the values reported in literature for commercially provided Al-foams.
  • the achieved improved mechanical properties of the resultant foams are a result of a beneficial influence from the reinforcing particles incorporated in the cell walls.
  • the biggest potential of the present invention is an up-grading of low grade composite scrap material.
  • This constantly increasing volume of composite scrap today represents a considerable problem since it can not simply be remelted or incorporated to the recycled secondary aluminium.

Abstract

Particle reinforced low cost metal foam is provided by a process of manufacturing metal foam based on foaming of molten composite material using finely dispersed cellulating gas.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a process of providing metal foam and more particularly to a process resulting in provision of thin wall closed cell particle reinforced metal foam.
  • Foamed metals, as well as foamed ceramics and plastics, due to their unique combination of properties and light weight are earning growing attention as engineering materials.
  • There are several ways to produce foams. Different foaming techniques are known such as incorporating hydrides in the molten metal or adding organic compounds which release gases on heating. Vapor deposition on polymeric substrates or casting of metal around granules which are then leached out leaving a porous metal structure are other examples of providing metals with cellular structure.
  • The process of foam formation using blowing agents is affected by the surface tension and viscosity of the actual melt. The viscosity counteracts bursting of the cell walls during a progressive increase in the volume of the formed bubbles, while a low surface tension will favour formation of thin bubble walls.
  • The properties of foams being gas-in-solid dispersions are largely determined by their density, but the cell size, structure and their distribution are also important parameters influencing the properties.
  • In general such foamed metals are produced by adding a gas evolving compound to the molten metal followed by heating of the resultant mixture to decompose the compound and to produce expanding cellulating gases. The foaming compound is usually metal hydride such as TiH₂ or ZrH₂, and after the foaming step the mould is cooled to form a solid foam material. Cells of non-uniform structure and/or undesirably large size are experienced due to the difficulties with uniform distribution of the evolving gas through the whole volume of the foamed metal.
  • GB patent No. 1.287.994 discloses a process for preparation of metal foams applying a viscosity increasing agent comprising an inert gas or an oxygen containing material gaseous at the melt conditions and treating the thus produced viscous melt with a foaming agent. Air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and water are preferably used in the process as viscosity increasing agents in amounts from 1 to 6 grams per 100 grams of metal alloy. Metal hydrides are used as foaming agents (hafnium, titanium or zirconium hydrides) in amounts of from 0,5 to 1,0 grams per 100 grams of alloy.
  • Preferably the increase in viscosity is enhanced by the presence of a promoter metal, e.g. from 4 to 7 weight% magnesium is used in aluminium alloys. A good mixing technique is required, the addition of foaming agents is usually carried out at a tempera- ture lower than addition of the viscosity increasing agent in a separate second vessel. The disclosed batchwise process, achieving better foams with regard to uniform size and distribution of the cells, and claiming a certain reduction in the consumption of foaming agents, is a rather complicated time consuming and expensive process requiring several process steps and units based on use of expensive heat decomposible gas evolving compounds (hydrides).
  • European patent application No. 0 210 803 discloses a similar batchwise method of producing foamed metals based on use of from 0,2 to 8,0 weight% metallic calcium as viscosity adjusting agent and titanium hydride in amounts of from 1 to 3 weight% of the molten melt as foaming agent.
  • Still another method of producing cellularized metal by decomposition of a heat-decomposable gas evolving compound in molten metal is disclosed in US patent No. 3.297.431. The improvement comprises addition of an intimately dispersed, finely divided powder to the metal prior to decomposition of the gas evolving compound (carbonates or hydrides), or dissolving of gas in the melt. The stabilizing powders may be metals or non-metals, elements or compounds, and two wettable powders are preferentially used where one of which forms a solid alloy with the metal. Usually the gas is dissolved at one pressure and then evolved at a second lower pressure.
  • A drawback in common for the hitherto known processes is that all of them are batchwise operating processes using either expensive gas evolving compounds or dissolved gases as cellulating means and viscosity increasing or stabilizing additives to achieve quality metal foams.
  • Furthermore, the prior art processes require a close control with the temperature and pressure conditions at different steps of the process. Consequently, so far there is no method operating on an industrial scale in an economical way offering a low cost metal foam to compete with other engineering materials.
  • Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a simple low cost method for preparation of quality foams.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for upgrading of scrap metal material.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel type of particle reinforced metal foam having improved mechanical properties.
  • The process of manufacturing a particle reinforced metal foam in accordance with the invention is defined in the accompanying claims.
  • The invention in its various aspects will be described in details, and various other objects, advantages and additional features thereof will become more apparent from the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the attached drawings, Fig. 1-4, where
  • Fig. 1
    shows schematically in the form of a flow-sheet the process of preparation of metal foam according to the invention,
    Fig. 2
    displays a natural size contact print of the foamed metal sample prepared according to the invention,
    Fig. 3
    shows an optical metallograph picture of the closed cell Al-foam structure,
    Fig. 4
    illustrates graphically results from a compression test conducted on foam samples.
  • Referring to Fig. 1, illustrating schematically the process of metal foam preparation, it has been found that a metal foam of the closed cell type structure having a uniform density and cell structure can be provided simply by feeding of finely dispersed cellulating gas into a molten particle reinforced metal matrix composite material (PMMC). No special additives adjusting the viscosity of the melt or particular precautions with regard to the distribution of the cellulating gas bubbles through the melt were required. The gas bubbles rise to the top of the melt and form foam gradually increasing in volume. No tendency to bursting of the foam cells when they reach the melt surface was observed. This indicates a (highly) stabilized surface of the gas bubbles. The upper portion of the foam cake solidifies and can be easily removed. Even foam which is not completely solidified can be removed whithout changing the cell structure due to the thick consistency of the formed foam. This is a quite important feature of the method according to the present invention, which allows to run the process continuously by transfer of semi-solidified foam to the moulds. There is even a possibility of subjecting the foam at this stage to certain forming operations, something which offers a flexibility with regard to the final shape of the resultant metal foam semiproducts.
  • Example 1
  • 30 kg of an eutectic aluminium alloy (Sil2MglNi2,5) was melted in an open crucible. The molten alloy kept at a temperature of 650°C was added silicon carbide particles of an average size of 12 µm, and simultaneously CO₂ gas was finely dispersed through the melt by means of a special treatment rotor as disclosed in US patent No. 4.618.427. During the feeding of a CO₂ surplus into the formed molten composite material bubbles started to rise to the top of the melt forming a raising foam layer. The upper portions of the foam solidified with no sign of surface burst.
  • Fig. 2 shows in natural size a photographic picture of the resultant foam sample removed as the solidified top part of the foam cake. The cross-section of the sample exhibits a uniform distribution of cells having a diameter in the range of from 1 to 5 mm. The density of the sample was measured to 0,2 g/cm³.
  • Example 2
  • 20 kg of scrap PMMC material (Al₂O₃ reinforced Al-alloy) was remelted in an open crucible. Pressurized air was applied as source of cellulating gas in this case, finely dispersed and distributed as described in Example 1.
  • Also in this case the resulting bubbles gave rise to a foamed structure when they reached the top of the melt in the crucible and were allowed to cool.
  • The achieved pores (cells) are essentially spherical and closed providing the foamed metal with isotropic properties in all directions, especially with regard to energy adsorption. Metallographic examination of the structure on the samples achieved from Example 1 reveals an extremely thin walled foam structure, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The wall thickness in this metallograph picture, magnification of 20, is in order of the reinforcing SiC particle size approximately 12 µm.
  • The mechanical behaviour of the produced foam is represented in Fig. 4 illustrating the results from the testing of compressive stress conducted on the samples from Example 1. The achieved flat stress/strain curve from the samples having an initial height of 26 mm applying a crosshead velocity of 2 mm/min. is typical for this type of material as long as the cell structure did not collapse completely. The energy absorption of this foam was determined to be 2 kJ/l foam, which is a very favourable value compared to the values reported in literature for commercially provided Al-foams. Obviously, the achieved improved mechanical properties of the resultant foams are a result of a beneficial influence from the reinforcing particles incorporated in the cell walls.
  • Evidently, the above described novel method of preparation of foamed metals according to the present invention offers several advantages both with regard to the economics of the process and the characteristics of the resulting foams.
  • First of all there is an opportunity to run the process continuously by continuous remelting or feeding of molten article reinforced metal material using a variety of available gases as a cellulating gas, e.g. N₂, Ar, CO₂, He and even pressurized air, which is normally easily available at low costs.
  • There are no special requirements to temperatures, pressure or uniform distribution of gas bubbles during the foaming and solidification of the resultant foamed metal. The density and to a certain extent also the cell size are simply controlled by dispersion of the cellulating gas through the melt, preferentially by applying the above special treatment rotor, but also other means ensuring finely dispersed bubbles can be applied. The foam accumulated on the top of the melt can be directly fed into moulds for solidification in desired shapes and dimensions or subjected to a certain grade of deformation/reshaping of the semisolidified foam.
  • Furthermore, even if it is possible to prepare the molten particle reinforced alloy in a separate process step using an active gas and addition of reinforcing particles prior to applying of the cellulating gas, the biggest potential of the present invention is an up-grading of low grade composite scrap material. This constantly increasing volume of composite scrap today represents a considerable problem since it can not simply be remelted or incorporated to the recycled secondary aluminium.

Claims (8)

  1. A process of manufacturing a particle reinforced metal foam in which a molten composite material comprising a metal matrix and finely divided reinforcing particles is continuously foamed by feeding cellulating gas into the melt thereby accumulating foamed composite metal material on the molten material surface, removing and solidifying the accumulated foam.
  2. The process according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the molten composite material is provided by remelting of particle metal matrix composite material.
  3. The process according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the composite material is formed in situ in the vessel by adding and distribution of reinforcing particles into the molten metal or alloy by means of an active gas.
  4. The process according to claim 3,
    characterized in that
    the active gas is CO₂ gas and the particles are refractory particles.
  5. The process according to one or more of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the molten composite material is aluminium or aluminium alloy comprising refractory particles.
  6. The process according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the cellulating gas is air.
  7. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the matrix metal is aluminium alloy reinforced by SiC particles.
  8. Process according to claim 7,
    characterized in that
    the built foam exhibits a compressive strength of 0,2 kg/mm² at a density of 0,2 g/cm³.
EP90910522A 1989-07-17 1990-07-11 A process of manufacturing particle reinforced metal foam and product thereof Expired - Lifetime EP0483184B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90910522T ATE100867T1 (en) 1989-07-17 1990-07-11 PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A DISPERSION-STRENGTHENED METAL FOAM AND PROCESS FOR ITS PRODUCTION.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO892925 1989-07-17
NO892925A NO172697C (en) 1989-07-17 1989-07-17 PROCEDURE FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF PARTICULAR REINFORCED METAL FOAM AND RESULTING PRODUCT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0483184A1 EP0483184A1 (en) 1992-05-06
EP0483184B1 true EP0483184B1 (en) 1994-01-26

Family

ID=19892250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90910522A Expired - Lifetime EP0483184B1 (en) 1989-07-17 1990-07-11 A process of manufacturing particle reinforced metal foam and product thereof

Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0483184B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2635817B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100186782B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE100867T1 (en)
BR (1) BR9007549A (en)
CA (1) CA2064099A1 (en)
DE (2) DE483184T1 (en)
DK (1) DK0483184T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2049037T3 (en)
HU (1) HU210524B (en)
NO (1) NO172697C (en)
RU (1) RU2046151C1 (en)
WO (1) WO1991001387A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0930221A2 (en) 1998-01-14 1999-07-21 Norsk Hydro Asa Vehicle space frame structure
US6343640B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2002-02-05 The University Of Alabama Production of metal/refractory composites by bubbling gas through a melt
US6464933B1 (en) 2000-06-29 2002-10-15 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Forming metal foam structures
US6840301B2 (en) 2001-08-17 2005-01-11 Cymat Corp. Method and apparatus for low pressure aluminum foam casting
US6866084B2 (en) 2000-02-25 2005-03-15 Cymat Corporation Method and means for producing moulded foam bodies
US7481964B2 (en) 2002-03-04 2009-01-27 Cymat Corp. Sealed impeller for producing metal foam and system and method therefor
DE102008000100A1 (en) 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Lightweight green and molded body of a ceramic and / or powder metallurgical material and method for its preparation

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5112697A (en) * 1989-09-06 1992-05-12 Alcan International Limited Stabilized metal foam body
CA2109957C (en) * 1991-05-31 1998-12-15 Harry Sang Process and apparatus for producing shaped slabs of particle stabilized foamed metal
DE4233695C2 (en) * 1992-10-07 1996-07-11 Wicona Bausysteme Gmbh Composite panel for wall coverings
CA2087791A1 (en) * 1993-01-21 1994-07-22 Martin Thomas Production of particle-stabilized metal foams
DE4318540A1 (en) * 1993-06-04 1994-12-08 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Method and device for producing a composite component
DE19501659C1 (en) * 1995-01-20 1996-05-15 Daimler Benz Ag Method for producing component made of metal foam
NO953858D0 (en) * 1995-09-29 1995-09-29 Norsk Hydro As laminate
JP3823024B2 (en) 1997-08-30 2006-09-20 ホンゼル ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング ウント コンパニー コマンディートゲゼルシャフト Foamable aluminum alloy and method for producing aluminum foam from foamable aluminum alloy
DE19813176C2 (en) * 1998-03-25 2000-08-24 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Process for the production of composite parts
WO2000073694A1 (en) 1999-05-26 2000-12-07 Thermotite As Heat-insulated steel pipe for deep-sea pipelines and method for producing the same
RU2193948C2 (en) * 1999-07-06 2002-12-10 Лебедев Виктор Иванович Method for making porous metal and articles of such metal
DE19948830B4 (en) * 1999-10-06 2005-11-24 Terex-Demag Gmbh & Co. Kg Telescopic boom for cranes
US7175689B2 (en) 2001-06-15 2007-02-13 Huette Klein-Reichenbach Gesellschaft Mbh Process for producing a lightweight molded part and molded part made of metal foam
AT410103B (en) * 2001-06-15 2003-02-25 Huette Klein Reichenbach Gmbh METHOD FOR PRODUCING A LIGHTWEIGHT MOLDED BODY AND MOLDED BODY FROM METAL FOAM
US6660224B2 (en) 2001-08-16 2003-12-09 National Research Council Of Canada Method of making open cell material
US7108828B2 (en) 2001-08-27 2006-09-19 National Research Council Of Canada Method of making open cell material
US20040126583A1 (en) * 2002-11-19 2004-07-01 Takashi Nakamura Foaming agent for manufacturing a foamed or porous metal
DE102005037069B4 (en) * 2005-08-05 2010-03-18 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Porous composites based on a metal and process for their preparation
JP4189401B2 (en) * 2005-10-05 2008-12-03 本田技研工業株式会社 Method for producing foamed aluminum
CN111434788B (en) * 2019-01-15 2021-10-19 杨怡虹 Production and preparation method of composite foamed aluminum material
CN110052594B (en) * 2019-04-25 2024-01-02 清华大学 Foam metal preparation method and foam metal preparation device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1259163A (en) * 1960-05-24 1961-04-21 Lor Corp Foaming granulated aluminum
US3297431A (en) * 1965-06-02 1967-01-10 Standard Oil Co Cellarized metal and method of producing same
US3816952A (en) * 1969-02-19 1974-06-18 Ethyl Corp Preparation of metal foams with viscosity increasing gases
FR2282479A1 (en) * 1974-08-19 1976-03-19 Pechiney Aluminium Foamed aluminium alloy - made by casting alloy contg. hydrogen and oxygen and permitting expansion on release of gases

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0930221A2 (en) 1998-01-14 1999-07-21 Norsk Hydro Asa Vehicle space frame structure
US6343640B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2002-02-05 The University Of Alabama Production of metal/refractory composites by bubbling gas through a melt
US6866084B2 (en) 2000-02-25 2005-03-15 Cymat Corporation Method and means for producing moulded foam bodies
US6464933B1 (en) 2000-06-29 2002-10-15 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Forming metal foam structures
US6840301B2 (en) 2001-08-17 2005-01-11 Cymat Corp. Method and apparatus for low pressure aluminum foam casting
US7481964B2 (en) 2002-03-04 2009-01-27 Cymat Corp. Sealed impeller for producing metal foam and system and method therefor
DE102008000100A1 (en) 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Lightweight green and molded body of a ceramic and / or powder metallurgical material and method for its preparation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HU210524B (en) 1995-04-28
KR920703862A (en) 1992-12-18
EP0483184A1 (en) 1992-05-06
WO1991001387A1 (en) 1991-02-07
HU9200169D0 (en) 1992-06-29
BR9007549A (en) 1992-06-30
DE69006359D1 (en) 1994-03-10
DK0483184T3 (en) 1994-05-30
RU2046151C1 (en) 1995-10-20
NO172697B (en) 1993-05-18
ES2049037T3 (en) 1994-04-01
DE69006359T2 (en) 1994-05-11
JP2635817B2 (en) 1997-07-30
ATE100867T1 (en) 1994-02-15
DE483184T1 (en) 1992-08-13
CA2064099A1 (en) 1991-01-18
NO892925L (en) 1991-01-18
NO172697C (en) 1993-08-25
KR100186782B1 (en) 1999-05-01
JPH04506835A (en) 1992-11-26
NO892925D0 (en) 1989-07-17
HUT60791A (en) 1992-10-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0483184B1 (en) A process of manufacturing particle reinforced metal foam and product thereof
Baumgärtner et al. Industrialization of powder compact toaming process
CA2473120C (en) Metal porous body manufacturing method
JP4344141B2 (en) Metal foam manufacturing
US6659162B2 (en) Production of large-area metallic integral foams
US20020121157A1 (en) Process for producing metal foam and metal body produced using this process
DE19907855C1 (en) Manufacture of metal foams
JP4176975B2 (en) Manufacturing method of foam metal
Banhart Metallic foams: challenges and opportunities
JP3823024B2 (en) Foamable aluminum alloy and method for producing aluminum foam from foamable aluminum alloy
EP0545957B1 (en) Lightweight metal with isolated pores and its production
US7396380B2 (en) Method for producing metal foam bodies
US20090165981A1 (en) Process For Recycling Light Metal Parts
US3705030A (en) Foamed metal
JPH10158761A (en) Production of foam having directional pore
CA2046814C (en) Lightweight metal with isolated pores and its production

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920116

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

DET De: translation of patent claims
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19920721

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 100867

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19940215

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: SOCIETA' ITALIANA BREVETTI S.P.A.

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69006359

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19940310

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2049037

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

EPTA Lu: last paid annual fee
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 90910522.3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: NORSK HYDRO A/S TRANSFER- CYMAT CORP.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

NLS Nl: assignments of ep-patents

Owner name: CYMAT CORPORATION

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20050715

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20050718

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20050914

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20050925

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20060705

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20060712

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20060713

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20060713

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20060719

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060731

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060731

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060731

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20060825

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20070201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: CYMAT CORP.

Free format text: CYMAT CORP.#6320-2 DANVILLE ROAD#MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5T 2L7 (CA) -TRANSFER TO- CYMAT CORP.#6320-2 DANVILLE ROAD#MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5T 2L7 (CA)

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *CYMAT CORP.

Effective date: 20060731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 20070426

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20070711

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070731

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070731

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070712

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070711

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20080331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070711

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20060726

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060711

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20070712

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070712

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070711