Mechanical properties of reticulated aluminum foams with electrodeposited Ni–W coatings

The struts of reticulated aluminum foams were coated with nanocrystalline Ni–W by electrodeposition. The thickness and composition of these high-strength coatings are controlled by varying the bath chemistry, applied current conditions and deposition time. Despite an increase in density as compared to the uncoated foams, the coated foams exhibit improvements in both absolute and specific strength, as well as in absolute energy absorption.