Using Lead as a Filler Material to Produce Porous Aluminum

Porous materials are unique materials which can be used in light weight and strong structures. Few methods can be used to produce porous metals depending on the required degree of porosity, produced part size, nature of material and configuration. In this study, sintering technique was selected to produce porous aluminum using lead as a filler material. The whole process was conducted under vacuum environment at 500°C and different soaking time to investigate and select the proper environment parameters. Results show that soaking time impacts significantly the resulting porous aluminum. Two hours of sintering at 500°C and under vacuum environment was concluded as convenient parameters to produce controlled porous aluminum. The compacting process which used in producing green compacts was also investigated and it was found that 60MPa is the best selection of compacting pressure.