New fabrication method for metallic closed cellular materials containing polymers

A new method for fabricating closed cellular materials containing polymers has been developed. Polystyrene powder particles coated with a nickel–phosphorus alloy layer by electroless plating, were sintered at high temperature. A metallic closed cellular material containing polymer was then fabricated. Scanning electron microscope observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated that polymer remains in the cells after heat treatment. The compressive tests of this material show a low Youngʹs modulus and high-energy absorption. Ultrasonic measurements showed that the attenuation coefficient of this cellular material is very large and changes with increasing temperature.