Research progress and preparation of closed-cell metal matrix syntactic foams

Closed-cell metal matrix syntactic foam (MMSF) is a kind of new porous composite materials formed by embedding the hollow microspheres into the metal or alloy matrix, using the hollow microspheres and metal powders as the raw materials. Due to the lightweight, high strength, good damping, energy-absorbing capability, thermal insulation, sound absorption, electromagnetic shielding, and other excellent properties, the closed-cell metal matrix syntactic foams can be widely used in the fields of shock absorption, buffer damping, and impact prevention. The preparation method of the closed-cell metal matrix syntactic foams by hollow microspheres were introduced in this paper, some problems existing in the preparation process were summarized and the application of the closed-cell metal matrix foams were overviewed.