Compressive characteristics of closed-cell aluminum foams after immersion in simulated seawater

In this paper, the compressive characteristics of closed-cell aluminum foams (with different percentages of elemental Mn) after immersion in simulated seawater are investigated and the effect of corrosion process on the yield strength and energy absorption capacity is studied systematically. Results show that corrosion process changes the compressive deformation mode from ductile fracture to brittle fracture. Meanwhile, the corrosion process dramatically deteriorates the yield strength and energy absorption capacity. Fortunately, elemental Mn significantly reduces the effect of corrosion process on the deformation mode and compressive behaviors of foams. Statistical results show that the foam with Mn percentage of 1-2 wt.% possesses optimal yield strength and energy absorption capacity loss rates under the present conditions. Electrochemical test, morphology observation and XRD detections are applied to explain the reasons.