Abstract: A metal article containing at least 10% interconnected porosity is produced by using a preform. To make the preform, an organic binder, a wetting agent and a granular material are mixed to obtain a mouldable paste that combines 10 vol. pct. or more of the granular material, this material dissolving easily in a liquid solvent. The paste is shaped into an aerated preform, thus creating an open pore space to be infiltrated by the metal or alloy. The wetting agent is evaporated and the preform is baked to a temperature sufficient to degrade the binder and create a network of interconnected open porosity in the preform. Then, the open pore space is filled with the liquid metal or alloy. All or part of the baked preform can be easily leached by a liquid solvent through the network of fine pores.

Abstract: A process for producing a metal article containing at least 10% interconnected porosity, using a preform (11), comprising: mixing an organic binder, a wetting agent and a granular material, to obtain a mouldable paste that combines 10 vol. pct. or more of said granular material, said material dissolving easily in a liquid solvent; shaping the paste into an aerated preform and providing an open pore space to be infiltrated by the metal or alloy; evaporating said wetting agent and baking said preform to a temperature sufficient to degrade the binder and create a network of interconnected open porosity in the preform; filling said open pore space with the liquid metal or alloy. All or part of the baked preform can be easily leached by a liquid solvent through the network of fine pores.

Abstract: A process for producing a metal article coated with a metal layer having a biaxially textured surface, which process comprises eletctrodepositing the metal layer on a biaxially textured metal substrate such that the surface of the metal layer has the same texture as that of the substrate.