Fabrication of bimodal porous alumina ceramics

An alumina foam with two kinds of pores was prepared by combining the sponge method and the pore-former method. The large pores were provided by the sponge method, and their sizes were in the range of 1-2 mm. The small pores were produced by the pore-former method with size in the micrometer range. The large pores offered a high porosity while the small pores offered a large surface area. The strength of samples sintered at different temperatures was measured, and the effect of sintering temperature on foam strength was analyzed by discussing porosity and grain bonding area. The sample sintered at 1550 °C has a compressive strength of 1.3 MPa and a porosity of 86%.