Noncollapsible ceramic foam

US4356271A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Aluminum Company of America · US

Inventors

• Thomas Francis · Dubuque, US
• John E. Marhanka · Delmont, US
• Raymond P. Heilich · Lower Burrell, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 16, 1981
• Grant date: Oct 26, 1982
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B28/342
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A lightweight, porous, ceramic material is made by mixing a slurry containing a foaming agent until a constant volume of foam is achieved. The foam is then pumped or poured into a mold or form where it sets up into a cellular structure. The formed foam is then cured, dried and heated at elevated temperatures. The slurry used in making the foam is made from ceramic particles, water, foaming agent and bonding materials. The bonding materials function to provide an initial bond as the foam is generated to prevent foam collapse, a low temperature bond after the foam structure is set, cured and dried, and a final bond after heating to elevated temperatures. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic particles used are alumina.