Preparation of Macroporous Ceramic Materials by Using Aluminium Powder as Foaming Agent

Abstract:

Aluminium powder was used as foaming agent in the production of macro-porous alumina ceramic. The porous ceramic material was developed by mixing an appropriate composition of cement, aluminium powder (Al), alumina (Al₂O₃), calcium oxide (CaO), gypsum (calcium sulphate dehydrate, CaSO₄.2H₂O), silica powder and deionized water. Different compositions of porous ceramic were produced at 2wt.%, 3wt.% and 4wt.% of aluminium powder. Their mechanical properties and macro-porosity structural of the porous ceramic material were analysed and compared. It is determined that the optimal properties of porous ceramic material were found at 3wt.% of aluminium powder and degraded drastically at 4wt.%. This phenomenon is due to the chemical reaction between the aluminium powder and DI water in which they form aluminium oxide that promotes the strength of the material but at the same time, more pores are created at higher reaction rate between these two fundamental materials.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 699)
• Pages: 336-341
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.699.336
• Online since: November 2014
• Authors: Nurulfazielah Nasir*, Ridhwan Jumaidin, Hady Efendy, Mohd Zulkefli Selamat, Goh Keat Beng, Muhammad Zulfattah Zakaria
• Keywords: Aluminum Powder, Macroporous Ceramic

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