Enhancement in specific strength of open cell aluminium foams through plasma electrolytic oxidation treatment

Open cell aluminium foams produced by replication have their strength enhanced by ceramic surface layers generated using plasma electrolytic oxidation. The composite materials produced show, in some cases, greater relative increases in strength–weight ratio than those produced by applying other coatings to porous structures; however, the behaviour depends on the characteristics of the layer generated. The most significant increases appear to correlate with conditions that produce more uniform coating thicknesses with depth of penetration into the foam structure.