Nickel foams with oxidation-resistant coatings formed by combustion synthesis

A combustible mixture containing aluminum, titania and boron oxide powders was deposited onto the open-cell nickel foam structural elements. Heating the sample ensured formation of a protective coating based on titanium boride and alumina over the nickel foam struts via the combustion synthesis reaction. Oxidation rate of the resultant composite foam was remarkably lower compared to the bare nickel foam, the stress–strain behavior changed and was dependent on the coating thickness, and the original open-cell structure was retained.