CN110343893B - Foam metal preparation device, foam metal preparation method and foam metal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a foam metal preparation device which comprises a closed structure, a heating device, a vacuum system, a pressurizing system, a rotating mechanism, a first container and a second container, wherein the heating device is arranged on the closed structure; the heating device is used for heating the closed structure; the vacuum system is used for vacuumizing the closed structure; the pressurization system is used for pressurizing the inside of the closed structure; the first container is arranged in the closed structure and used for containing liquid metal; the second container is arranged in the closed structure and is used for accommodating gypsum molds with porous structures; the end part of the rotating mechanism is connected with the first container and used for driving the first container to turn over so that the liquid metal in the first container can be poured into the second container. The invention also discloses a preparation method of the foam metal and the foam metal.

Description

Foam metal preparation device, foam metal preparation method and foam metal

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of new material preparation, in particular to a foam metal preparation device, a foam metal preparation method and foam metal.

Background

With the continuous development of national high-precision technologies such as automobiles, medical treatment, aerospace and the like, the requirements on the performance of materials are more strict. Foam metal, such as foamed aluminum, has attracted wide attention from countries in the world due to its advantages of light weight, high specific stiffness, low density, corrosion resistance, sound absorption, energy absorption, good cushioning effect, etc. The metal foam may be classified into a closed-cell metal foam and an open-cell metal foam according to the structure of the cells. Compared with closed-cell metal foams, the open-cell metal foams have complicated and interconnected pores, and are widely used.

The process for preparing open-cell foamed aluminium mainly includes two kinds of seepage method and gypsum pattern investment casting method, the seepage method is characterized by that NaCl and CaCl are added₂And pre-pressing the inorganic salt particles into a prefabricated model, pouring molten metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy and the like into the prefabricated model to fill the gaps of the prefabricated model with the molten metal, cooling, and removing the inorganic salt particles by using a water solution or heating method and the like to obtain the open-cell foamed aluminum. Due to uneven pore distribution and poor prefabricated impact resistance, the pore diameter and pore structure of the open-cell foam metal prepared by the seepage method are not uniform enough, and the three-dimensional connectivity is poor. The gypsum mold investment casting method is to pour molten metal into a gypsum mold with a porous structure filled in a mold, remove the gypsum mold after demolding, and obtain the open-cell foam metal. However, the conventional gypsum mold investment casting method and casting apparatus are applicable only to a small scaleThe production in small and small scale, the prepared foam metal has poor pore structure and low production efficiency, and the industrial development of the foam metal is seriously restricted.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the above, there is a need for a foam metal preparation device, a foam metal preparation method and a foam metal which are suitable for mass production and have high pore density of the prepared foam metal.

A foam metal preparation device comprises a closed structure, a heating device, a vacuum system, a pressurizing system, a rotating mechanism, a first container and a second container;

the heating device is used for heating the closed structure;

the vacuum system is used for vacuumizing the closed structure;

the pressurization system is used for pressurizing the inside of the closed structure;

the first container is arranged in the closed structure and used for containing liquid metal;

the second container is arranged in the closed structure and is used for accommodating gypsum molds with porous structures;

the end part of the rotating mechanism is connected with the first container and used for driving the first container to turn over so that the liquid metal in the first container can be poured into the second container.

In one embodiment, the sealing structure includes a sealing body, a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein two ends of the sealing body opposite to each other in the horizontal direction are provided with openings, and the first end cap and the second end cap respectively seal the openings at the two ends.

In one embodiment, the metal foam preparation apparatus further includes a thermal insulation wall disposed inside the closed structure, and the thermal insulation wall is disposed at least at a position corresponding to the opening in the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the heating device includes a linear resistance heating body extending along the horizontal direction, the number of the heat-insulating walls is two, and the two heat-insulating walls are respectively arranged at two ends of the linear resistance heating body in the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the material of the thermal insulation wall is graphite.

In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises a mechanical arm, a rotating shaft and a controller, the rotating shaft is connected with the mechanical arm, the controller is electrically connected with the rotating shaft and used for controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the end part of the mechanical arm penetrates through the heat-insulating wall and is connected with the first container.

In one embodiment, the vacuum system comprises a vacuum pump, a first pipe and a vacuum gauge, wherein the vacuum pump is arranged outside the closed structure, the first pipe is used for communicating the inside of the closed structure with the vacuum pump, and the vacuum gauge is arranged on the first pipe and used for detecting the vacuum degree in the first pipe.

In one embodiment, the pressurization system comprises an inert gas source disposed outside the containment structure, a second tube communicating the inside of the containment structure with the inert gas source, and a pressure gauge disposed on the second tube for detecting the pressure within the second tube.

In one embodiment, the second container is sized to fit the gypsum mold.

A method for preparing foam metal, which uses the foam metal preparation device and comprises the following steps:

receiving said liquid metal and said gypsum mold in said first container and said second container, respectively;

vacuumizing the closed structure by using the vacuum system;

turning over the rotating mechanism so that the liquid metal in the first container is poured into the second container;

pressurizing the closed structure with the pressurization system such that the liquid metal seeps into the porous structure of the gypsum mold;

cooling the liquid metal to solidify the liquid metal to obtain a metal gypsum type composite body; and

treating the metal gypsum type composite with a solvent to dissolve and remove the gypsum type.

A foamed metal is prepared by using the preparation method.

The device for preparing the foam metal comprises the rotating mechanism, automatic pouring of the liquid metal can be realized through rotation of the rotating mechanism, manual operation is not needed, conditions in a closed structure during pouring can be controlled more flexibly, and pouring quality and performance of the prepared foam metal are improved. The vacuum system is utilized to form a low-pressure state in the closed structure before the liquid metal is poured, after the liquid metal is poured into the second container containing the gypsum mold, the pressurization system is utilized to pressurize the closed container, the liquid metal is enabled to fully seep into the porous structure of the gypsum mold by utilizing the pressure difference and the gravity action, and the structural continuity of the prepared foam metal is improved. The foam metal preparation device can realize that vacuumizing, pressurizing and pouring are carried out in the same equipment, so that oxidation and pollution caused by transfer of intermediate products in the preparation process can be reduced, the performance of the foam metal is improved, the production efficiency can be improved by continuously carrying out preparation steps, and the foam metal preparation device is suitable for large-scale production. The foam metal preparation device can prepare the foam metal with better pore performance.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a metal foam manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a structural photograph of the foamed metal prepared by the foamed metal preparation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly apparent, the following embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further describe the metal foam manufacturing apparatus, the metal foam manufacturing method and the metal foam of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the invention provides a device for preparing a foamed metal, including a sealing structure 100, a heating device 700, a vacuum system 500, a pressurization system 600, a rotation mechanism 400, a first container 200, and a second container 300;

the heating device 700 is used for heating the closed structure 100;

the vacuum system 500 is used for vacuumizing the closed structure 100;

the pressurization system 600 is used for pressurizing the inside of the closed structure 100;

the first container 200 is disposed in the sealing structure 100 and is used for accommodating liquid metal;

the second container 300 is disposed in the closed structure 100 and is used for accommodating gypsum mold with a porous structure;

the end of the rotating mechanism 400 is connected to the first container 200, and is used for driving the first container 200 to turn over, so that the liquid metal in the first container 200 can be poured into the second container 300.

The device for preparing the foam metal comprises a rotating mechanism 400, automatic pouring of the liquid metal can be achieved through rotation of the rotating mechanism 400, manual operation is not needed, conditions in the closed structure 100 during pouring can be controlled more flexibly, and pouring quality and performance of the prepared foam metal are improved. The vacuum system 500 is utilized to form a low-pressure state in the closed structure 100 before the liquid metal is poured, after the liquid metal is poured into the second container 300 containing the gypsum mold, the closed container is pressurized by the pressurization system 600, the liquid metal is made to fully seep into the porous structure of the gypsum mold by utilizing the pressure difference and the gravity action, and the structural continuity of the prepared foam metal is improved. The foam metal preparation device can realize that vacuumizing, pressurizing and pouring are carried out in the same equipment, so that oxidation and pollution caused by transfer of intermediate products in the preparation process can be reduced, the performance of the foam metal is improved, the production efficiency can be improved by continuously carrying out preparation steps, and the foam metal preparation device is suitable for large-scale production. The foam metal preparation device can prepare the foam metal with better pore performance.

In one embodiment, the foam metal preparation apparatus includes a base 900, and the sealing structure 100 is disposed on the base 900, and the base 900 is used for supporting the sealing structure 100 and facilitating heat dissipation of the sealing structure 100.

In one embodiment, the sealing structure 100 includes a sealing body, a first end cap 120 and a second end cap 140, wherein two horizontally opposite ends of the sealing body are provided with openings (not shown), and the first end cap 120 and the second end cap 140 respectively seal the openings at the two ends. The provision of openings at both ends of the containment structure 100 facilitates the ready addition of liquid metal in the first container 200 and the transfer of the gypsum-type or metal gypsum-type composite in the second container 300. The first and second end caps 120 and 140 may be disposed adjacent to the first and second containers 200 and 300, respectively. The shape of the containment body may be cylindrical or cubic. The first or second end cap 120 or 140 may be provided with a snap ring (not shown) by which opening and closing of the first or second end cap 120 or 140 is accomplished. The material of the containment structure 100 may be high temperature, high pressure resistant structural steel.

In one embodiment, the vacuum system 500 includes a vacuum pump 520, a first pipe 540 and a vacuum gauge 560, the vacuum pump 520 is disposed outside the sealed structure 100, the first pipe 540 connects the inside of the sealed structure 100 with the vacuum pump 520, and the vacuum gauge 560 is disposed on the first pipe 540 for detecting the degree of vacuum in the sealed structure 100, i.e., the first pipe 620.

In one embodiment, the pressurization system 600 includes an inert gas source 620, a second tube 640, and a pressure gauge 660, wherein the inert gas source 620 is disposed outside the enclosed structure 100, the second tube 640 communicates the inside of the enclosed structure 100 with the inert gas source 620, and the pressure gauge 660 is disposed on the second tube 640 for detecting a pressure value in the enclosed structure 100, i.e., the second tube 640. The flow of the inert gas can be adjusted according to the pressure value. The inert gas source 620 may be a pressure tank filled with an inert gas, and the filling of the enclosure 100 with the inert gas is advantageous to avoid oxidation of the foam metal production process. The inert gas may be selected from one or more of nitrogen and argon.

Preferably, the metal foam production apparatus may further comprise a valve system for controlling the communication of the containment structure 100 with the vacuum pump 520 or with the inert gas source 620. The valve system may include a first valve 580, and the first valve 580 may be disposed on the first pipe 540 for controlling the communication between the vacuum pump 520 and the interior of the hermetic structure 100. The valve system may include a second valve 680, and the second valve 680 may be disposed on the second tube 640 for controlling the communication of the inert gas source 620 with the interior of the containment structure 100.

In an embodiment, the metal foam manufacturing apparatus further includes an insulation wall 800 disposed inside the closed structure 100, and the insulation wall 800 is disposed at least at a position corresponding to the opening of the closed structure 100, i.e., the first end cap 120 or the second end cap 140, in the horizontal direction. The thermal insulation wall 800 serves to prevent heat loss from the inside of the hermetic structure 100 when the first and second caps 120 and 140 are opened. In one embodiment, the material of the thermal wall 800 may be graphite. The graphite not only has the function of heat preservation, but also can resist the environment inside the closed structure 100 when the foam metal is prepared

In an embodiment, the heating device 700 may be a linear resistance heating body extending along the horizontal direction, the number of the thermal insulation walls 800 may be two, the two thermal insulation walls 800 are respectively disposed at two ends of the linear resistance heating body in the horizontal direction, the two thermal insulation walls 800 and the linear resistance heating body form a semi-closed structure, when the first end cap 120 or the second end cap 140 is opened, the thermal insulation walls 800 are used for blocking heat generated by the resistance heating body from directly exchanging with heat of gas introduced into an opening of the sealed structure 100, so as to reduce heat loss of the sealed structure 100. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation wall 800 may be a closed ring structure, and the linear resistance heater may be disposed in a ring of the closed ring structure.

In one embodiment, the rotation mechanism 400 may include a robot arm, a rotation shaft connected to the robot arm, and a controller electrically connected to the rotation shaft for controlling the rotation of the rotation shaft, an end of the robot arm passing through the thermal insulation wall 800 and being connected to the first container 200. Preferably, the rotating mechanism 400 may turn the first container 200 at least 90 °, that is, the first container 200 may have at least a horizontal state in which the container opening is upward and a turned state perpendicular to the horizontal state, so that the liquid metal in the first container 200 is prevented from flowing out of the first container 200 when it is not necessary to pour, while the liquid metal can smoothly flow into the second container 300 when it is turned.

Preferably, the mechanical arm can comprise a plurality of sub-mechanical arm sections, and the adjacent sub-mechanical arm sections can be movably connected through a coupler, so that the mechanical arm can realize telescopic deformation, the distance from the first container 200 to the opening of the closed container can be adjusted, and the flexible addition of liquid metal or solid metal to the first container 200 is facilitated.

In one embodiment, the material of the first container 200 may be a high temperature resistant material, such as a crucible.

In an embodiment, the dimensions of the second container 300 are adapted to the dimensions of the gypsum mold, i.e. the size and shape of the gypsum mold are substantially the same as the size and shape of the cavity of said second container 300, the gypsum mold substantially filling the second container 300, thereby avoiding that the liquid metal fills the non-filled space of the gypsum mold in the second container 300 resulting in a solid metal structure without a porous structure.

In an embodiment, the metal foam production device may comprise a gypsum mold, i.e. the gypsum mold may be a component of the metal foam production device.

In one embodiment, the gypsum-containing composition can be prepared by mixing gypsum and water. In one embodiment, the gypsum material composition may include alpha hemihydrate gypsum, bauxite, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, and water. The gypsum material composition is used to form a gypsum slurry to prepare a gypsum form. The gypsum material composition takes alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum as a main material, and the alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum has smaller shrinkage relative to beta-type hemihydrate gypsum in the process of preparing a gypsum mold by roasting the gypsum material composition, so that cracks are not easy to generate in the roasting process. The bauxite in the gypsum material composition enables the gypsum to generate thermal expansion in the roasting process so as to offset the thermal contraction of the gypsum, thereby ensuring that the gypsum linear quantity has little change and the crack tendency is small. The magnesium sulfate heptahydrate can separate out crystal water before the alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum is dissolved in water, and the separated crystal water is dispersed around the alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum to enhance the hydration process of the alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum and increase the crystal network of the gypsum, thereby improving the strength of the gypsum form and the collapsibility of the gypsum form. The anhydrous magnesium sulfate after the crystal water is separated out by the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate can be attached to gypsum particles, the strength of the gypsum mold is further improved, and the water solubility of the gypsum mold can be improved by the magnesium sulfate, so that the gypsum mold is easier to clean in the process of adopting the gypsum mold investment casting. The gypsum-type foam metal obtained from the gypsum material composition has improved pore density and shape regularity.

In one embodiment, the mass ratio of the liquid to the solid in the gypsum material composition may be (35-50): 100. within this mass ratio range, the solids in the gypsum material composition can be dissolved in water at a higher rate and the gypsum slurry can be calcined more efficiently.

In one embodiment, the mass ratio of the alpha-hemihydrate gypsum to the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate can be (30-45): (5-15), in the mass ratio range, the crystal water amount precipitated by the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate can enable the hydration process of the alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum to be stronger, and the crystal network of the obtained gypsum form is tighter, so that the strength and collapsibility of the gypsum form are enhanced. In one embodiment, the mass percent of the alpha-hemihydrate gypsum in the solid may be 30% to 45%, and the mass percent of the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate in the solid may be 5% to 15%.

Bauxite is a refractory material and has the characteristic of thermal expansion, when gypsum slurry formed by a gypsum material composition is roasted to prepare a gypsum type, alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum shrinks under the action of heat and the volume is reduced, and bauxite expands under the action of heat and the volume is increased, so that the linear change of the gypsum type can be compensated, and the crack tendency of the gypsum type is avoided. In one embodiment, the bauxite may be 35% to 50% by weight in the solids. The quality of bauxite and the quality of alpha-type hemihydrate gypsum are matched to achieve the effect of better maintaining the volume stability of the gypsum type.

In one embodiment, the gypsum material composition further includes anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the mass percentage of the anhydrous magnesium sulfate in the solid can be 5% to 15%. The amount of the anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the amount of the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate are matched with each other, so that the performance of a gypsum mold prepared from the gypsum material composition is improved, the strength of the gypsum mold used as a template for preparing the foam metal is kept, and meanwhile, the gypsum mold can be more easily dispersed and removed after the metal and gypsum type composite material is formed, so that the foam metal with better structural performance is obtained.

In one embodiment, the gypsum mortar further comprises a retarder, wherein the retarder can prolong the hydration hardening time of the alpha-type semi-hydrated gypsum, so that the newly mixed gypsum mortar can keep plasticity for a longer time, thereby adjusting the setting time of the gypsum mortar and ensuring the mixing uniformity and the setting effect of the gypsum mortar. In one embodiment, the retarder may include one or more of sodium polyphosphate, protein carboxylic acid retarder, sodium citrate, and anhydrous ethanol. The amount of the retarder should not be too large or too small, the better retarding effect cannot be achieved if the amount of the retarder is too small, and the gypsum slurry can generate dry cracking shrinkage and shrinkage cracks due to excessive water evaporation if the amount of the retarder is too large. In one embodiment, the mass percent of retarder in the solids may be 0.5% to 2%.

The gypsum mold prepared from the gypsum material composition has a porous structure, and the porous structure is distributed on the surface and in the gypsum mold. The shape and the pore density of the gypsum type porous structure are determined according to the preparation method, and the shape and the pore density of the porous structure determine the structure of the foam metal prepared by the gypsum type. The porous structures can be uniformly distributed on the surface and inside of the gypsum mold or arranged on the surface and inside of the gypsum mold according to a predetermined rule.

In one embodiment, the method of preparing the gypsum-type can include:

s120, uniformly mixing all components in the gypsum material composition to obtain gypsum slurry;

s140, pouring the gypsum slurry into a first mold filled with sponge, so that the gypsum slurry permeates into pores of the sponge; and

and S160, roasting the first mold into which the gypsum slurry is infiltrated.

In the embodiment of the invention, the gypsum mold is prepared by taking the sponge as the template, the gypsum slurry is infiltrated into the pores of the sponge and is roasted to solidify the gypsum slurry into a stable structure filled in the pores of the sponge, the sponge is vaporized and removed in the roasting process, and the gypsum slurry is solidified to obtain the gypsum mold with the porous structure.

In step S120, preferably, the mixing step includes stirring, the stirring speed may be 250 rpm to 350 rpm, and the components of the gypsum slurry are mixed more uniformly by the stirring, which is beneficial to obtain a gypsum type with uniform components.

In step S140, in an embodiment, the size of the sponge may be adapted to the size of the first mold, that is, the shape and size of the sponge are substantially the same as those of the first mold, and the sponge substantially fills the first mold, so that the gypsum slurry can be ensured to only penetrate into the pores of the sponge, and the gypsum slurry is prevented from overflowing to the position of the first mold not filled with the sponge to form a gypsum solid without a porous structure.

In one embodiment, the step of allowing the gypsum slurry to infiltrate the pores of the sponge comprises: after pouring the gypsum slurry into the first mold containing the sponge, the first mold is moved to a vacuum apparatus for vacuuming. Avoid gypsum thick liquids excessive seepage flow downwards through evacuation to press to cover and cause the sponge to warp on the sponge to avoid the direct seepage flow of gypsum thick liquids to the bottom of sponge, be favorable to the gypsum thick liquids seepage flow to the cavernosum of sponge in, obtain the gypsum type of spongy structure.

Preferably, the preparation method of the gypsum type further comprises: before the gypsum slurry is poured into the first mold filled with the sponge, i.e., between steps S120 and S140, the gypsum slurry is subjected to a vacuum evacuation process. The bubbles in the gypsum slurry are removed through vacuumizing treatment to obtain uniform gypsum slurry, so that the gypsum mold with higher strength is obtained.

Preferably, the preparation method of the gypsum type further comprises: the sponge is pretreated with an acetone solution before the gypsum slurry is poured into the sponge-filled first mold, i.e., between steps S120 and S140. Organic impurities in the sponge pores are removed by acetone treatment. The sponge is pretreated by acetone solution, namely the sponge is soaked in the acetone solution and stands still; and drying the soaked sponge.

In one embodiment, the sponge may be a polyurethane sponge.

In step S160, the calcination may be performed by raising the temperature of the first mold into which the gypsum slurry is infiltrated to 650 to 750 ℃ and maintaining the same at a constant temperature for 12 to 16 hours. The temperature rise can be gradual temperature rise, for example, the temperature rise can be in a step mode, and shrinkage cracks caused by rapid temperature rise of the gypsum mold can be avoided through the step mode. After calcination, natural cooling may be included to obtain a high quality gypsum form.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a foam metal preparation method and a foam metal preparation device, and the method comprises the following steps:

s100, respectively accommodating the liquid metal and the gypsum mold in a first container 200 and a second container 300;

s200, carrying out vacuum-pumping treatment on the closed structure 100 by using a vacuum system 500;

s300, turning the rotating mechanism 400 over so that the liquid metal in the first container 200 is poured into the second container 300;

s400, pressurizing the closed structure 100 by using a pressurizing system 600 so that the liquid metal seeps into the gypsum-type porous structure;

s500, cooling the liquid metal to solidify the liquid metal to obtain a metal gypsum type composite body; and

s600, treating the metal gypsum type composite body by using a solvent to dissolve and remove the gypsum type.

In step S100, the liquid metal may be provided separately or obtained by accommodating the solid metal in the first container 200, and melting the solid metal in the first container 200 by heating of the heating device 700.

In step S200, the pressure inside the sealed structure 100 is made smaller than the pressure outside by vacuum pumping, which is beneficial to smooth seepage of the liquid metal into the gypsum-type porous structure after the external gas is further introduced in step S400. In one embodiment, the degree of vacuum in the vacuum-sealed structure 100 after the vacuum-pumping process may be 5 × 10^-2Pa or less.

Preferably, step S200 may include: during the vacuum pumping process, the vacuum pump 520 is turned off to check whether the vacuum degree in the sealed structure 100 can be kept unchanged, and if the vacuum pump 520 is turned off, the vacuum degree in the sealed structure 100 is kept unchanged for a certain period of time, which indicates that the sealed structure 100 is well sealed.

Preferably, the gypsum mold is preheated before the pouring step, that is, before step S300, and the preheating temperature of the gypsum mold may be substantially the same as the pouring temperature, so as to avoid cracks of the gypsum mold caused by an excessive temperature difference generated when the liquid metal contacts the gypsum mold. The preheating of the gypsum mold may be performed outside the sealed structure 100 (i.e., before step S100) or inside the sealed structure 100 (i.e., between step S100 and step S300).

In step S400, the liquid metal is caused to seep into the gypsum mold due to the pressure difference created by the low pressure created by the vacuum system 500 and the high pressure created by the pressurization system 600 and the gravity of the liquid metal. In one embodiment, the pressure in the sealing structure 100 may be controlled to be 200KPa to 500 KPa.

In step S500, the cooling may be performed by naturally cooling the sealed container.

In step S600, the foamed metal is foamed aluminum, the solvent may be sodium acetate, and the sodium acetate is a strong base and a weak acid salt, which can dissolve the gypsum type and does not corrode the metal aluminum, so that foamed aluminum with high structural accuracy can be obtained.

The solvent treatment can be that the metal gypsum type complex is placed in a solvent for soaking; and washing the metal gypsum type composite body soaked in the solvent by using high-pressure running water, so that the gypsum type is removed from the metal gypsum type composite body to obtain the foam metal.

The foamed metal prepared by the foamed metal preparation device provided by the embodiment of the invention has small aperture and high porosity, and the pore density can reach 50 ppi. The foamed metal preparation device can be used for preparing foamed aluminum, for example.

The technical features of the embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined, and for the sake of brevity, all possible combinations of the technical features in the embodiments described above are not described, but should be considered as being within the scope of the present specification as long as there is no contradiction between the combinations of the technical features.

The above-mentioned embodiments only express several embodiments of the present invention, and the description thereof is more specific and detailed, but not construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that, for a person skilled in the art, several variations and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive concept, which falls within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present patent shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. A foam metal preparation device is characterized by comprising a closed structure, a heating device, a vacuum system, a pressurizing system, a rotating mechanism, a first container and a second container;

the heating device is used for heating the closed structure;

the vacuum system is used for vacuumizing the inside of the closed structure and comprises a vacuum pump, a first pipe body and a vacuum gauge, the vacuum pump is arranged outside the closed structure, the first pipe body is used for communicating the inside of the closed structure with the vacuum pump, and the vacuum gauge is arranged on the first pipe body and used for detecting the vacuum degree in the first pipe body;

the pressurization system is used for pressurizing the inside of the closed structure and comprises an inert gas source, a second pipe body and a pressure gauge, the inert gas source is arranged outside the closed structure, the second pipe body is used for communicating the inside of the closed structure with the inert gas source, and the pressure gauge is arranged on the second pipe body and used for detecting the pressure in the second pipe body;

the first container is arranged in the closed structure and used for containing liquid metal;

the second container is arranged in the closed structure and is used for accommodating gypsum molds with porous structures;

the end part of the rotating mechanism is connected with the first container and used for driving the first container to turn over so that the liquid metal in the first container can be poured into the second container.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing structure comprises a sealing body, a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein the sealing body is provided with openings at two opposite ends in the horizontal direction, and the first end cap and the second end cap respectively seal the openings at two ends.

3. The metal foam production apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a thermal insulation wall disposed inside the closed structure, the thermal insulation wall being disposed at least at a position corresponding to the opening in the horizontal direction.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the heating device comprises a linear resistance heating body extending in the horizontal direction, the number of the heat-insulating walls is two, and the two heat-insulating walls are respectively provided at both ends of the linear resistance heating body in the horizontal direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the material of the insulating wall is graphite.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a robot arm, a rotating shaft connected to the robot arm, and a controller electrically connected to the rotating shaft for controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft, wherein an end of the robot arm passes through the insulating wall and is connected to the first container.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions of the second container are adapted to the dimensions of the gypsum mould.

8. A method for producing a metal foam, characterized by using the metal foam production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and comprising the steps of:

receiving said liquid metal and said gypsum mold in said first container and said second container, respectively;

vacuumizing the closed structure by using the vacuum system;

turning over the rotating mechanism so that the liquid metal in the first container is poured into the second container;

pressurizing the closed structure with the pressurization system such that the liquid metal seeps into the porous structure of the gypsum mold;

cooling the liquid metal to solidify the liquid metal to obtain a metal gypsum type composite body; and

treating the metal gypsum type composite with a solvent to dissolve and remove the gypsum type.

9. A foamed metal produced by the production method according to claim 8.

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