Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies, and the metal matrix composite bodies produced according to the novel method. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material is formed into a preform by first forming a negative cavity (2) in a matrix metal (1) and thereafter placing said permeable mass of filler material (5) into said cavity (2). An infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are also in communication with the filler material (5), at least at some point along the process, which permit the matrix metal (1), when made molten, to spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material (5), which at some point during the processing, may become self-supporting.