Abstract:Zn-22Al alloy closed-cell foams were fabricated by melt foaming process using hydride foaming agent. The compressive properties were investigated under quasi-static condition. The structure of the foamed material was analyzed during compression test to reveal the relationship between morphology and compressive behavior. The results show that the stress-strain behavior is typical of closed-cell metal foams and mostly of brittle type. Governing deformation mechanism at plateau stage is identified to be brittle crushing. A substantial increase in compressive strength of Zn-22Al foams was obtained. The agreement between compressive properties and Gibson-Ashby model was also detected.

Key words: Zn-22Al foams; compression behavior; compressive strength; elastic modulus; modeling