Cr2AlC MAX phase foams by replica method

Highly pure Cr2AlC foams with high pore interconnectivity were processed by replica method, infiltrating commercial polyurethane foams with 20 and 30 pore per inch (ppi). Content of solid, dispersant and thickener was adjusted to achieve slurries with shear-thinning behavior. Cr2AlC foams were successfully obtained after two consecutive infiltrations, followed by two thermal processes, first in air to burn-out the polymeric foams and then in argon to consolidate the porous structure. The developed foams (cylinders with 40 mm diameter and 20 mm height) present high potential as component for heat exchangers and volumetric solar receivers. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.