Description
In this study, titanium hydride (TiH2) foaming agent was strategically embedded in aluminum (Al) powder using a mechanical milling process. Milled Al without TiH2 was also investigated. The powders were microwave processed for various times up to 20 min. Temperatures as high as 11000C were realized, which promoted a reaction involving Al and atmospheric nitrogen to form aluminum nitride (AlN). Qualities and features of the foams produced were explored. Specifically, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were performed for confirming AlN production as well as microstructure characterization. Porosity was investigated using image analysis, which was found to reach levels as high as 44.4%. The addition of TiH2 at a loading of 2 wt.% resulted in an approximately 4% increase in product porosity after 20 min of microwave exposure compared to just pure Al precursors.
