Investigation of foam structure formation in the Freeze Foaming process based on in-situ computed tomography

Abstract

Using the so-called Freeze-Foaming method, it is possible to ecologically create ceramic cellular scaffolds without a need for pore creators or organic scaffolds. One of their main applications can be found in the medical sector. Tailoring these ceramic foams for certain applications requires a defined and reproducible adjustment of their pores and pore morphology.This paper examines the foaming process depending on its process parameters and the used material. In-situ X-ray computed tomography in combination with a specially designed setup for examining the foaming process allowed us to hold the stage of the foam in different phases of development and to analyze the changes in microstructure between each process phase. In this contribution we present the first findings for the production of ceramic foams depending on different process parameters. Keywords: Freeze foaming, Bioceramics, Foaming process, In-situ CT, None destructive testing