Synthesis of open-cell particle-stabilized Al2O3 foam using Al(OH)3 particles

In this article, we present the first report which details the preparation of open-cell Al2O3 foam using Al(OH)3 in conjunction with a particle-stabilized direct-foaming technique. Foam specimens were sintered at 1600 and 1700 °C for the decomposition of Al(OH)3 into α-Al2O3, thus creating an open-pore structure with an average cell size of 95 or 65 μm, depending on the sintering temperature. The porosity of the foam was 83.4% and 58.8% when sintered at 1600 and 1700 °C, respectively.