In radiant porous burners, the heat source requires a solid porous matrix where the combustion reaction takes place, in which the heat transfer is performed more efficiently. This work is based on a study of the alumina suspension rheology, where parameters as viscosity and tixotropy were the guide to select the appropriate formulation for the ceramic foam fabrication by the replica method. The precursor polymeric foams presented higher porosity and permeability, due to their thin walls and 99% open cells. The highest mechanical strength under compression was obtained for the formulation with the highest solid fraction, under the same test conditions.
ceramic foams; replica; alumina; radiant burners
