Novel aluminum borate foams with controllable structures as exquisite high-temperature thermal insulators. Issue 1 (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Han; Li, Yuanbing; Xiang, Ruofei; Li, Shujing; Luo, Jun; Wang, Hailu; Li, Xuesong
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Ceramic Society. Volume 40:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Aluminum borate foam -- Foam-casting -- Process parameter -- Pore size distribution -- Thermal conductivity; Ceramic materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Matériaux céramiques -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Ceramic materials; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2019.08.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-2219

Abstract

Abstract: In this contribution, a manageable foam-casting technique for the preparation of novel aluminum borate foams (ABFs) as thermal insulators with highly controllable performances is presented. ABFs were fabricated from α-Al2 O3 and 2Al2 O3 ·B2 O3 with the addition of various amounts of foaming agents, thickening agents, and slurry solid contents. The dispersions and rheological properties of the slurries were then examined, followed by exploration of microstructural evolution and testing of mechanical/thermal properties. It should be noted that the generated micro-pores generated and interlocking rod-like 9Al2 O3 ·2B2 O3 crystals may lead to superior mechanical tolerances and lower thermal conductivities for the ABFs. In general, the as-prepared ABFs with porosities ranging from 73.8 to 96.3 vol%, compressive strengths of 8.20–0.15 MPa, and thermal conductivities of 0.228–0.046 W/(mK) (200–800 °C) could render them suitable for application as high-temperature thermal insulating materials.