J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2025, Vol. 215: 258-282.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.06.054

• Review Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Metal foams for the interfering energy conversion: Electromagnetic wave absorption, shielding, and sound attenuation

Yujing Zhanga,*, Rui Liua, Chuyang Liub,*, Yilin Zhanga, Liang Yana, Jie Jianga, Er Liua, Feng Xua,*   

  1. aSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China;
    bSchool of Material Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
  • Received:2024-05-23 Revised:2024-06-20 Accepted:2024-06-21 Published:2025-04-20 Online:2024-08-17
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: zhangyujing@njust.edu.cn (Y. Zhang), liuchuyang@nuaa.edu.cn (C. Liu), xufeng@njust.edu.cn (F. Xu)

Abstract: Metal foams are a fascinating group of materials that possess distinct physicochEMIcal properties and interconnected strut features with high surface area-to-volume ratios, high specific strength and lightweight nature. These characteristics make them ideal for applications in vibration damping, heat insulation and weight reduction. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the application of interfering energy conversion such as electromagnetic wave (EMW) and sound, where the metal foams could emerge as a solution. This paper will present a comprehensive review of the preparation methods as well as the interference energy converting mechanisms for metal foams. Typically, the progress and prospective aspects of metal foams for EMW absorption, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and sound absorption have been emphasized. Through this review, we aspire to offer valuable insights for the development of multifunctional applications with metal foam materials.

Key words: Metal foams, EMW absorption, EMI shielding, Sound absorption