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Abstract
The fibre space holder (FSH) method combines powder metallurgy and lost-foam casting with the aim of producing novel ultra-thin materials with micro-porous structures. A fabric, used as a spaceholder, is coated with metal powder (stainless steel, copper, nickel or titanium) in a water-soluble polymer binder. During sintering, the spaceholder is removed by a high temperature treatment to obtain the final porous metal sheet. This new material combines the advantages of fabric and porous metal. Its large specific surface area, minimum thickness of <30 μm, maximum porosity of >95% and strong liquid absorbency make it suitable for various application, in particular electrodes in hydrogen fuel cells and medical applications. The metal sheet can be further functionalised by coating with nanopowders.