Values & properties

Nature shows us how it’s done. Bones, corals and wood all have a cellular structure with stochastically distributed cavities. This results in high mechanical stability with a simultaneously low weight. And the lightweight metal aluminum also has ideal properties to imitate nature and be even lighter than a massive substance. With 2.7 g/cm3, aluminum has a low density and simultaneously excellent strength. With a density of approximately 0.5 g/cm3, aluminum in a foam form is so light that it even floats in water.

Lightweight construction materials with low emissions and energy costs are becoming more and more important in nearly all mobility industries (for example, automobile, ship and aircraft construction).

If you would like to combine low weight and mechanical stability, only a few materials come into question, including plastics, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFK), glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFK) or wood. Nevertheless, few of these lightweight construction materials are recyclable.

Aluminum foam is a very versatile material. Through the natural oxide layer, the metal is extremely light and resistant and can be 100% recycled. Since no adhesives are used, constructions made of aluminum foam are neither flammable nor do they contribute to the fire load. The full potential of the material can be exploited when several of its properties are used in one application.

 

Energy absorption

Aluminum foam is able to absorb effects from pressure and blows and can prevent material destruction (tears, breaks). This increases both the safety and ability to repair the components.

Sound absorption

The sound waves are effectively absorbed when they penetrate the aluminum foam. The density and thickness of the aluminum foam influences the result. Furthermore, clicking properties of components in acoustic systems can be improved significantly.

Non-flammable

Due to the pure metallic aluminum structure (no adhesives or plastics are used), the material is non-flammable. Depending on the alloy, aluminum foam has a temperature resistance of up to 500°C.

Heat conductivity

Aluminum foam is one of the best metallic heat conductors. This property also makes aluminum foam an excellent heat conductor, which is used in cooling and heating systems.