Titanium Foam
Properties
Note: all properties listed are for bulk titanium metal
- Molecular Weight: 47.86
- Appearance: Silvery
- Melting Point: 1668 °C
- Boiling Point: 3560 °C
- Density: 4.54 g/cm3
- Solubility in H2O: N/A
- Crystal Phase / Structure: Hexagonal
- Electrical Resistivity: 42.0 microhm-cm @ 20 °C
- Electronegativity: 1.45 Paulings
- Heat of Fusion: 14.15 kJ/mol
- Heat of Vaporization: 425 kJ/mol
- Poisson’s Ratio: 0.32
- Specific Heat: 0.125 Cal/g/K @ 25 °C
- Tensile Strength: 140 MPa
- Thermal Conductivity: 21.9 W/(m·°K) @ 298.2 °K
- Thermal Expansion: 8.6 µm·m-1·K-1 (25 °C)
- Vickers Hardness: 830 -3420 MPa
- Young’s Modulus: 116 GPa
Specification and Description of Titanium Foam
Titanium foam is a low-density, permeable material with numerous applications. It has very high porosity usually 75-95% of its volume is space. This foam is often used for thermal insulation, sound insulation, absorbing environmental pollutants, filtering liquid metal alloys, and as a base for catalysts that need a large internal surface area. It is generally readily available in most volumes. More technical, research, and safety information is available.
It has a high specific strength, absorbs much energy, resists corrosion very well, and is compatible with the human body. These materials are ideal for use in the aerospace industry. Their inherent corrosion resistance makes the foam useful for various filtering applications. Further, since titanium does not react with the human body, its porous form shows promise as an implant material for medical devices.
Metal foam is a new type of metal material that contains foam pores. It not only retains the characteristics of metal materials, such as weldability, conductivity, and extension, but also has the functional properties of porous materials, such as energy absorption and vibration reduction, noise reduction, electromagnetic shielding, air permeability, water permeability, and low thermal conductivity. The biggest advantage of making titanium foams is that their mechanical and functional properties can be adjusted. This is done by changing the manufacturing process to vary the porosity and cell structure. It is very appealing because many industries want new technologies like this.
Titanium foams with aligned, elongated pores are created using a freeze-casting method. An aqueous slurry is directionally frozen to induce ice dendrite formation. The powders are pushed ahead of the solidification front and into the interdendritic spaces. The ice is then freeze-dried, or sublimated, away, leaving behind the loosely connected titanium powder foam whose pore structure is determined by the growing ice crystals. Directional freeze-casting has been used with polymers, organic materials, and, most recently, alumina; however, it has never been used in a metal system. Recently, we have successfully used titanium powders to create directional freeze-casting casting foam with aligned, elongated pores. We have investigated the foam microstructure and its mechanical properties.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Titanium Foam | Porous titanium material |
| Material | Titanium (Ti) | Confirm the specific grade when ordering |
| Porosity | Typically 75–95% | Percentage of total volume occupied by pores, as stated on the product page |
| Pore Structure | Porous and permeable | Structure and pore characteristics can vary with the manufacturing process |
| Available Structure | Aligned, elongated pores can be produced | Described for directionally freeze-cast titanium foam |
| Appearance | Silvery | Reference property of bulk titanium |
| Molecular Weight | 47.86 g/mol | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal | Bulk titanium reference property |
| Density | 4.54 g/cm³ | Bulk titanium density; not the apparent density of the foam |
| Melting Point | 1668 °C | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Boiling Point | 3560 °C | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Electrical Resistivity | 42.0 µΩ·cm at 20 °C | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Thermal Conductivity | 21.9 W/(m·K) at 298.2 K | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Thermal Expansion | 8.6 µm·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 25 °C | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Tensile Strength | 140 MPa | Value listed on the page for bulk titanium; verify against the applicable grade datasheet |
| Young’s Modulus | 116 GPa | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.32 | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Specific Heat | 0.125 cal/g/K at 25 °C | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Heat of Fusion | 14.15 kJ/mol | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Heat of Vaporization | 425 kJ/mol | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Electronegativity | 1.45 Pauling | Bulk titanium reference value |
| Water Solubility | Not applicable | As stated on the product page |
| Filtration Characteristics | High porosity and permeability | Performance depends on pore size, structure and application |
| Temperature Capability | Below 280 °C | Temperature guidance stated for the sintered plates on the product page; confirm the selected product’s operating limits |
| Plate Manufacturing Capability | Up to 1000 mm long × 300 mm wide | Manufacturing capability stated on the product page; confirm availability for the required configuration |
| Key Characteristics | Corrosion resistance, energy absorption and permeability | Actual performance depends on porosity, geometry and manufacturing conditions |
| Applications | Filtration, biomedical research, energy systems, thermal management and impact absorption | Suitability depends on the specific design and operating environment |
Features
The mechanical properties of titanium foams are affected by interstitial solutes. This limits the processing methods and uses. Titanium reacts quickly with gases in the air. In foams, oxides get trapped inside the edges of the cells. Interstitial solutes make the cell walls harder, increasing elastic modulus and yield strength. However, they reduce ductility, which depends on the number of impurities. Nitrogen has the most significant effect on the gases in the air, followed by oxygen and carbon. These impurities are often in the starting materials and get introduced during processing.
- It has a uniform structure. It has a narrow range of pore sizes and filters very efficiently.
- It has high porosity. They have low filtration resistance and high penetration efficiency.
- It can withstand high temperatures. They can generally be used below 280 degrees. Nickel alloy and high-temperature alloy plates can be used at even higher temperatures.
- The sintered plates have good chemical stability. They resist acid and alkali corrosion and oxidation.
- Our products do not shed particles or cause secondary pollution of the original liquid. This meets food and pharmaceutical purity requirements.
- The sintered plates have good mechanical properties. They can be filtered by pressure or suction. They are simple to operate.
- They operate at low-pressure difference and low footprint but high flow.
- They have strong anti-microbial abilities. They will not interact with microorganisms, and their performance is stable.
- The molding process is good. Plates up to 1000 mm long and 300 mm wide can be made without welding.
They are easy to clean and have a long service life.
Applications of Titanium Foam
Titanium foam, renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, proves highly suitable as a biomedical material. Its porous structure facilitates the provision of water and nutrients, fostering the growth of new bone tissue and enhancing the adhesion, differentiation, and growth of bone cells for adequate biological fixation.
This versatile foamed titanium alloy finds wide application in restoring bones, joints, blood vessels, and teeth. Notably, its impact-resistant nature allows it to absorb more energy and withstand higher stress, making it an excellent material for various applications, including automotive bumpers, spacecraft landing gear, safety pads for elevators, packaging boxes, and protective components for rockets and jet engines.
Moreover, utilizing foamed titanium with high porosity as fuel cells’ gas diffusion layer material significantly amplifies the energy released during electrochemical reactions. With its void structure providing permeability, it seamlessly integrates high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and dust filtration capabilities under extreme conditions. While recent research has yielded specific advancements in foamed titanium materials, the technology is yet to mature for widespread industrialization. Further in-depth analysis is essential to unlock the full potential of it across diverse applications.
Comparison
| Parameter | Titanium Foam | Solid Titanium | Porous Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Structure | Porous, cellular structure | Dense, solid metal | Porous or sintered metal structure |
| Porosity | Typically 75–95%, as stated for titanium foam | Not applicable to conventional solid material | Depends on manufacturing process and grade |
| Weight | Can offer lower overall density than solid titanium because of its void structure | Higher material mass for the same external volume | Depends on porosity and construction |
| Fluid and Gas Permeability | Can allow fluid or gas flow through interconnected pores | Generally impermeable through the solid material | Can provide controlled flow through pores |
| Energy Absorption | Porous structure can absorb impact energy and help reduce vibration | Depends on component geometry and material grade | Depends on pore structure and material design |
| Corrosion Resistance | Generally excellent; depends on environment and processing | Generally excellent; depends on grade and environment | Varies with stainless-steel grade and operating conditions |
| Biocompatibility | Promising for selected biomedical and implant applications | Established use in suitable medical-grade titanium applications | Depends on alloy grade, surface condition and intended application |
| Filtration Potential | Suitable for porous filtration designs when pore characteristics meet requirements | Not normally used as a porous filter element | Commonly used for porous filtration applications |
| Thermal and Electrical Behaviour | Influenced by titanium properties and foam geometry | Primarily determined by titanium grade and temperature | Determined by stainless-steel grade and porous structure |
| Typical Applications | Biomedical research, lightweight structures, energy systems and specialized filtration | Structural components, chemical equipment and selected medical applications | Industrial filtration, fluid distribution and porous components |
| Best Suited For | Applications requiring a combination of porosity, low overall density and energy absorption | Applications requiring a dense titanium component | Applications requiring porous metal filtration and suitable corrosion resistance |
Note: This comparison is qualitative. Actual performance depends on material grade, pore size, porosity, manufacturing method and operating conditions. Confirm application-specific requirements before selecting a material.
Why Choose Techinstro Titanium Foam?
Techinstro Titanium Foam is designed for research and specialized industrial applications that require a porous metallic structure with a useful combination of permeability, corrosion resistance and mechanical functionality. Its properties make it suitable for exploring lightweight components, filtration systems, energy technologies and biomedical materials.
- High Porosity: Typically 75–95% porosity, providing a substantial void structure for applications requiring permeability and reduced overall density.
- Customizable Pore Structure: Porosity and cell geometry can be adjusted through suitable manufacturing processes to meet different application requirements.
- Corrosion Resistance: Titanium offers strong corrosion resistance in many environments, subject to the material grade and operating conditions.
- Energy Absorption: The porous structure can absorb mechanical energy and help reduce impact and vibration in appropriately designed components.
- Filtration Applications: Its permeable structure makes titanium foam a candidate for specialized liquid and gas filtration designs.
- Biomedical Research Potential: Porous titanium can support bone integration and biological fixation in suitable, properly qualified medical applications.
- Energy and Electrochemical Research: High-porosity titanium structures can be investigated for use in fuel-cell gas diffusion layers and related energy technologies.
- High-Temperature Applications: Titanium foam may be considered for suitable thermal and industrial environments, subject to verified operating-temperature limits.
- Industrial and Research Flexibility: Potential uses include aerospace research, lightweight components, protective structures and advanced materials development.
- Customized Solutions: Contact Techinstro to discuss the required dimensions, porosity, pore structure, material specifications and intended application.
For technical assistance or a quotation, contact Techinstro with your required dimensions, operating conditions and application details so that the appropriate titanium foam configuration can be evaluated.
Safety measures
- When using titanium foam, taking safety steps to lower risks is essential. Some general safety tips:
- Wash hands very well after handling the foam. Wash before eating, smoking, or using the bathroom at the end of each work period.
- Eye and face protection: No special eyewear is needed for routine use. But if an assessment shows eye protection is needed, wear glasses following approved standards.
- Wear protective gloves when handling it, especially during big spills.
- Make sure the work area has good ventilation. This minimizes airborne particles and fumes.
- If it gets in the eyes, treat it like one would treat any other substance.
How to use?
- Handle titanium foam gently, as it is fragile. Avoid excessive force or pressure to prevent damage.
- Store it in a clean and dry place to avoid contamination.
- Keep it away from extreme heat and direct flames when handling it to avoid damage.
- Use proper lifting techniques and suitable containers to prevent harm when moving or transporting it.
- Follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use and handling if the foam is part of a product.
Why Choose Us
Techinstro is an experienced manufacturer and supplier of Titanium foams. Our foams are widely known for their superior quality and affordable price. We use the latest technology to manufacture perfectly finished products and include even the minute details. Our clients return to us for our commitment to quality and friendly after-sales service. We have proudly delivered our products all across the globe. Connect with us to get customized solutions for industrial or research uses.
FAQ's
Its high strength-to-weight ratio provides strong structural performance while keeping overall weight very low.
The density ranges from 0.11 to 0.41 g/cm³, and porosity ranges from 60% to 90%.
We supply it in two grades: 98.5% aluminum (6101 alloy) and 99.5% pure aluminum.
The closed-cell foam we supply has a pore size ranging from 2 to 11 mm.
It offers a compressive strength of up to 44 MPa, which suits lightweight load-bearing parts.
It has a melting point of about 660°C, the same as the base aluminum metal.
Yes, its cellular structure absorbs impact energy and dampens vibration, which makes it useful for automobile crash protection.
Yes, it absorbs sound well and is used in highway noise barriers, tunnels, and construction panels.
Yes, it resists fire well and is a safe choice for building panels and protective structures.
Random-pore types have irregular holes, while ordered-pore types have evenly spaced, uniform openings.
Open-cell foam has connected pores that let air or liquid pass through, while closed-cell foam has sealed pores suited for structural and impact uses.
Yes, it conducts both heat and electricity, though the level depends on its density and pore structure.
Yes, it can be cut and shaped with standard tools and joined by welding, gluing, or screws and bolts.
Yes, we can customize the dimensions, pore size, and density to match your specific requirements.
It is used in automotive crash parts, aerospace panels, building construction, sound barriers, heat exchangers, fuel cells, and filtration.
It can be used safely at working temperatures up to 450°C.


