If an open-cell aluminum foam of say 90% porosity is placed static in a beaker full of water, would it eventually sink or can it remain afloat? What if the porosity is decreased more to say 99%, what would happen to the sinking time. Also, would it still sink if its made up of a lighter material than aluminum but with same porosity?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?qs=aluminum%20foams%20in%20water&show=25&sortBy=relevance
For such aluminum foam bulk sample, we should focus our attention at its apparent solid volume. That is the volume of compact solid material and of closed pores, but excludes the volume of open pores (open porosity). The apparent solid density of the bulk sample, often abbreviated apparent density, is the ratio of the mass to apparent solid volume. The open pores can be greatly filled by water; and if the bulk sample is previously evacuated just before water is admitted to entirely fulfill the open pores. Both the apparent solid density and the residual air possibly retained at open pores (if there is any) should be compared to water density to predict the sinking/floating behaviour of the sample when immersed in that fluid.
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