Multi-Level Porosity Silver Foams by Powder Processing Method

Abstract

Silver foams with 70% porosity have been produced by the sintering and dissolution process (SDP) of fine silver powder. The powder was obtained from the reduction of rod-shaped silver sulfate, using glycerol mixed with sodium hydroxide as reducer and reaction accelerator, respectively. The foam shows three-level porosities, ranging from nanometer to millimeter level. The nanopores were created during the reduction process. The micropores were formed by the dissolution of remaining silver sulfate. The millipores were made from the removal of disaccharide powders. The pore architecture is unique and can be tailored by varying material and process parameters such as silver sulfate and disaccharide morphologies, reduction temperature and time as well as volume fraction of materials.