Recent Trends in Aluminum Foam Sandwich Technology

Abstract

We review the status of aluminum foam sandwich (AFS) technology and discuss both recent improvements of foaming technology and current application strategies. It is concluded that the quality of foams has improved in the past years but the costs are still very much the same. This is why applications in which metal foams have more than one function are more likely to be economically viable. The examples presented include electromagnetic shielding, carrier plates for mirrors, cooking equipment, architectural panels, and blast protection.

Aluminum foam sandwich (AFS) panels are now an industrially available product and have a range of real and possible applications. AFS combine various favorable physical and mechanical properties and can be prepared with a variety of surfaces attractive for designers and architects. The basics and recent improvements of foaming technology are explained and some applications presented.