FOAMS MADE OF AMORPHOUS HOLLOW SPHERES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

摘要

Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.

主权项

1. A method of forming a cellular solid from an amorphous material comprising, obtaining an amorphous material exhibiting a glass transition at a glass transition temperature, and having a material yield strength greater than 500 MPa;
forming a plurality of hollow spheres wherein at least the outer surface of the sphere is formed from the amorphous material, the hollow spheres each having an internal pressure; confining the hollow spheres within a confining body having a fixed volume and having an atmosphere; heating the plurality of hollow spheres to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material; and applying a pressure differential between the internal pressures of the plurality of hollow spheres and the pressure of the atmosphere within the confining body, wherein the internal pressures of the plurality of hollow spheres is higher than the pressure of the atmosphere within the confining body such that the plurality of hollow spheres undergo an expansion within the boundary defined by the confining body such that adjacent hollow spheres make contact to form a cellular solid.