Specification and Description of Titanium Foam

Titanium foam is a low-density, permeable material with numerous applications. It has very high porosity usually 75-95% of its volume is space. This foam is often used for thermal insulation, sound insulation, absorbing environmental pollutants, filtering liquid metal alloys, and as a base for catalysts that need a large internal surface area. It is generally readily available in most volumes. More technical, research, and safety information is available.

It has a high specific strength, absorbs much energy, resists corrosion very well, and is compatible with the human body. These materials are ideal for use in the aerospace industry. Their inherent corrosion resistance makes the foam useful for various filtering applications. Further, since titanium does not react with the human body, its porous form shows promise as an implant material for medical devices.

Metal foam is a new type of metal material that contains foam pores. It not only retains the characteristics of metal materials, such as weldability, conductivity, and extension, but also has the functional properties of porous materials, such as energy absorption and vibration reduction, noise reduction, electromagnetic shielding, air permeability, water permeability, and low thermal conductivity. The biggest advantage of making titanium foams is that their mechanical and functional properties can be adjusted. This is done by changing the manufacturing process to vary the porosity and cell structure. It is very appealing because many industries want new technologies like this.

Titanium foams with aligned, elongated pores are created using a freeze-casting method. An aqueous slurry is directionally frozen to induce ice dendrite formation. The powders are pushed ahead of the solidification front and into the interdendritic spaces. The ice is then freeze-dried, or sublimated, away, leaving behind the loosely connected titanium powder foam whose pore structure is determined by the growing ice crystals. Directional freeze-casting has been used with polymers, organic materials, and, most recently, alumina; however, it has never been used in a metal system. Recently, we have successfully used titanium powders to create directional freeze-casting casting foam with aligned, elongated pores. We have investigated the foam microstructure and its mechanical properties.

Features

The mechanical properties of titanium foams are affected by interstitial solutes. This limits the processing methods and uses. Titanium reacts quickly with gases in the air. In foams, oxides get trapped inside the edges of the cells. Interstitial solutes make the cell walls harder, increasing elastic modulus and yield strength. However, they reduce ductility, which depends on the number of impurities. Nitrogen has the most significant effect on the gases in the air, followed by oxygen and carbon. These impurities are often in the starting materials and get introduced during processing.

• It has a uniform structure. It has a narrow range of pore sizes and filters very efficiently.
• It has high porosity. They have low filtration resistance and high penetration efficiency.
• It can withstand high temperatures. They can generally be used below 280 degrees. Nickel alloy and high-temperature alloy plates can be used at even higher temperatures.
• The sintered plates have good chemical stability. They resist acid and alkali corrosion and oxidation.
• Our products do not shed particles or cause secondary pollution of the original liquid. This meets food and pharmaceutical purity requirements.
• The sintered plates have good mechanical properties. They can be filtered by pressure or suction. They are simple to operate.
• They operate at low-pressure difference and low footprint but high flow.
• They have strong anti-microbial abilities. They will not interact with microorganisms, and their performance is stable.
• The molding process is good. Plates up to 1000 mm long and 300 mm wide can be made without welding.

They are easy to clean and have a long service life.

Applications of Titanium Foam

Titanium foam, renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, proves highly suitable as a biomedical material. Its porous structure facilitates the provision of water and nutrients, fostering the growth of new bone tissue and enhancing the adhesion, differentiation, and growth of bone cells for adequate biological fixation.

This versatile foamed titanium alloy finds wide application in restoring bones, joints, blood vessels, and teeth. Notably, its impact-resistant nature allows it to absorb more energy and withstand higher stress, making it an excellent material for various applications, including automotive bumpers, spacecraft landing gear, safety pads for elevators, packaging boxes, and protective components for rockets and jet engines.

Moreover, utilizing foamed titanium with high porosity as fuel cells’ gas diffusion layer material significantly amplifies the energy released during electrochemical reactions. With its void structure providing permeability, it seamlessly integrates high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and dust filtration capabilities under extreme conditions. While recent research has yielded specific advancements in foamed titanium materials, the technology is yet to mature for widespread industrialization. Further in-depth analysis is essential to unlock the full potential of it across diverse applications.

Safety measures

• When using titanium foam, taking safety steps to lower risks is essential. Some general safety tips:
• Wash hands very well after handling the foam. Wash before eating, smoking, or using the bathroom at the end of each work period.
• Eye and face protection: No special eyewear is needed for routine use. But if an assessment shows eye protection is needed, wear glasses following approved standards.
• Wear protective gloves when handling it, especially during big spills.
• Make sure the work area has good ventilation. This minimizes airborne particles and fumes.
• If it gets in the eyes, treat it like one would treat any other substance.

How to use?

• Handle titanium foam gently, as it is fragile. Avoid excessive force or pressure to prevent damage.
• Store it in a clean and dry place to avoid contamination.
• Keep it away from extreme heat and direct flames when handling it to avoid damage.
• Use proper lifting techniques and suitable containers to prevent harm when moving or transporting it.
• Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use and handling if the foam is part of a product.