Effect of enamel coatings on the mechanical properties of aluminium foams

ABSTRACT

In many fields of application, the aluminium foam panels could undergo flexural loads or impact forces. The presence of a vitreous layer influences the foam's response. Four different enamel systems, deposited on aluminium closed-cell foam, are studied. The bending stiffness values are obtained using a 4-point bending test and then the Young's modulus and the strength are extrapolated using a transformed section method. To evaluate the cracking behavior an indentation test was performed. A better sintered filling increases the bending stiffness and strength, moreover the presence of a primer layer may cause an early fracture in the coating.

KEYWORDS:

• Aluminium foam
• Alporas process
• vitreous enamel coating
• 4-point bending test
• indentation test
• bending stiffness

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Attilio M. Compagnoni (Emaylum Italia, Italy) for supplying the enamel samples and useful discussions. Thanks also to Alberto Bettini (Vaber Industriale, Italy) and to Sylove Won (Foam Tech Global, Korea) for aluminium foam materials supply.