Characterization of porous bi-modal Ni structures

A new nickel-based porous structure, exhibiting a bi-modal pore size distribution, has been developed through the combination of nickel foam (INCOFOAM) with sintered nickel filamentary powder (T255). Sintering was carried out in the 900-980 °C temperature range in a vacuum environment. These bi-modal nickel samples were examined for their microstructure, hydraulic behaviour including capillary head and permeability, specific surface area (SAA), and overall porosity. The incorporation of a layer of sintered nickel filamentary powder (T255) onto the nickel foam was shown to increase both the specific surface area and capillary pumping pressure of the foam, while simultaneously maintaining high porosity and liquid permeability. Both the sintering temperature and the degree of nickel powder coverage were determined to be critical factors contributing to the properties of these bi-modal nickel porous structures.