Global, depth sensing and dynamic hardness of metal matrix syntactic foams

Abstract

This paper deals with the hardness testing of metal matrix syntactic foams (MMSFs). The hardness of the foams was characterized by three different hardness testing methods: global (or Brinell-like) hardness, depth sensing hardness and dynamic hardness were measured. Although the matrices had significant global hardness difference; the global hardness of the foams was almost the same regardless of the type of the matrix. Therefore, the global hardness of the MMSFs is structural property. The depth sensing hardness tests showed great sensitivity to the deformation capability of the matrices and to the presence of a possible change reaction between the reinforcement and the matrices. The dynamic hardness values of the MMSFs were higher than the dynamic hardness of the matrices. The original hardness difference between matrices decreased by microballoon incorporation.