Titanium with controllable pore fractions by thermoreversible gelcasting of TiH2

Kendra A. Erk, David C. Dunand, Kenneth R. Shull*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thermoreversible gelcasting, a near-net-shape processing technique, is demonstrated here for titanium. The gelcasting system is composed of TiH2 particles suspended in a triblock copolymer gel that behaves as a viscous liquid above 56 °C and an elastic solid at room temperature, a temperature-dependent transition that is fully reversible when solvent is present. Organic pyrolysis to remove the gel followed by vacuum sintering to densify the Ti powders (produced by decomposition of the hydride) results in titanium with near full density and low contamination. Incorporation of polypropylene and poly(methyl methacrylate) space-holder particles into the gel results in titanium with controlled porosities up to 44 vol.% and with low contamination. These foams exhibit tailorable stiffness and strength, together with excellent compressive ductility and energy absorption.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5147-5157
Number of pages11
JournalActa Materialia
Volume56
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Foams
  • Mechanical properties
  • Porous material
  • Powder processing
  • Titanium hydride

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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