Closed cell metal foam method
US4099961A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1976 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12479
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Foamed metals and metal alloys which have a closed cellular structure are prepared by heating a metal body containing entrapped inert gas uniformly distributed throughout to a temperature above the melting point of the metal and maintaining the body at this temperature a period of time sufficient to permit the entrapped gas to expand, forming individual cells within the molten metal, thus expanding and foaming the molten metal. After cell formation has reached the desired amount, the foamed molten metal body is cooled to below the melting temperature of the metal. The void area or density of the foamed metal is controlled by predetermining the amount of inert gas entrapped in the metal body and by the period of time the metal body is maintained in the molten state. This method is useful for preparing foamed metals and metal alloys from any metal or other material of which a body containing entrapped inert gas can be prepared.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.