Influence of Calcination Temperature on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Alumina-Based Ceramic Foams

• Increasing calcination temperature from 1200°C to 1500°C enhances the formation of α-Al2O3 and grain growth, reducing porosity from 90% to 78%. • Compressive strength of alumina foams increases significantly with calcination temperature, reaching a maximum of 2.5 MPa at 1400°C. • The optimal calcination temperature of 1400°C balances porosity (85%) and mechanical strength, making it suitable for thermal insulation applications. • The study demonstrates a clear processing–structure–property relationship, guiding the fabrication of high-performance ceramic foams.