Forming porous fibrous materials by the pendant drop melt extraction

A method for forming porous material based on metallic fibers, which are obtained by pendant drop melt extraction (PDME) method, is proposed. An installation for forming porous fibrous materials by the PDME method is developed and fabricated. Samples of porous materials made of fibers of heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant steels, nickel alloys, zirconium, etc., are obtained. Mechanisms for forming the bonds between the fibers are investigated and an interaction model between the fibers in a formed material is proposed. The possibility of forming bonds between the fibers in a porous material based on copper and steel fibers at various extraction velocities is evaluated according to the proposed model.