FIELD: metallurgy.
SUBSTANCE: porous copper obtaining method is proposed. The above method involves vacuum heating of initial α-brass for formation of molten metal. Heating and formation of molten metal in initial α-brass is performed in vacuum at pressure of 5×10-5 - 10-5 mm Hg by irradiating the brass with beam of electrons with energy of 8-10 MeV at current of 7-10 mcA, beam diameter of 2.5-3 mm and irradiation time of 1-2 minutes. As a result, the obtained porous copper is subject to compaction in the air in press moulds at pressure of 0.5-5 at. during 5-30 seconds.
EFFECT: method ensures obtaining of porous copper with high porosity degree, which is not attainable at use of thermochemical methods.