Fabrication of Al–Mg–Re foams and their corrosion resistance properties

Abstract Al–2 wt.% Mg–Re foams with relatively small pore size (∼1 mm) were fabricated by the melt foaming method with the addition of titanium hydride as a blowing agent. The corrosion resistance properties of the Al–Mg–Re foams have been studied and the results compared with those of Al foam and Al–5 wt.% Cu foam. The results show that in order to get Al–Mg–Re alloy foams with good pore structures, Ca and Mg should be added to the pure Al melt before adding the blowing agent; the corrosion resistance properties of Al–Mg–Re foams are better than those of Al foam and Al–Cu foams.