Reticulated ceramic foams from alumina-chromia solid solutions : a feasibility study

Abstract

Open cellular ceramic foams were manufactured from plain and chromia- doped alumina, with a chromium concentration ranging between 1.25 mol% and 5.0 mol%. The (AlCr)2O3 starting powders were prepared by precipitation of a chromia precursor onto the surface of an alumina powder and subsequent calcination. Characterization of the starting powders as well as the foam samples made therefrom were carried out with respect to the chromium concentration in the alumina phase and the influence of the dopant on the cellular structure and sintering behavior of the doped material. While no positive effect on the compressive strength of the ceramic foams was found, the dopant influences the sintering behavior resulting in an increased shrinkage and in a reduction of total porosity.