Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel process for forming net or near net-shape metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, a molten matrix metal (13) is in contact with a filler material or a preform (11) in the presence of a reactive atmosphere, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal (13) to react, at least partially or substantially completely, with the reactive atmosphere, thereby causing molten matrix metal (13) to infiltrate the filler material or preform (11) due to, at least in part, the creation of a self-generated vacuum. Such self-generated vacuum infiltration occurs without the application of any external pressure or vacuum. The molten matrix metal (13) infiltrates the filler material (11) up to at least a portion of a provided barrier means.
Abstract:
There is disclosed methods for producing self-supporting ceramic matrix and ceramic matrix composite bodies by batch, semi-continuous, and continuous processes utilizing the directed oxidation of a molten parent metal (15) with an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product which may embed filler material.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, a suitable matrix metal (33), typically in a molten state, is in contact with a suitable filler material (31) or preform in the presence of a suitable reactive atmosphere in an impermeable container (32), at least at some point during the process, which permits a reaction to occur between the reactive atmosphere and the molten matrix metal (33) and /or filler material (31) or preform and/or impermeable container (32), thereby causing molten matrix metal (33) to infiltrate the filler material (31) or preform due to, at least in part, the creation of a self-generated vacuum. Such self-generated vacuum infiltration occurs without the application of any external pressure or vacuum.
Abstract:
There is disclosed methods for producing self-supporting ceramic matrix and ceramic matrix composite bodies by batch, semi-continuous, and continuous processes utilizing the directed oxidation of a molten parent metal (15) with an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product which may embed filler material.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, a suitable matrix metal (33), typically in a molten state, is in contact with a suitable filler material (31) or preform in the presence of a suitable reactive atmosphere in an impermeable container (32), at least at some point during the process, which permits a reaction to occur between the reactive atmosphere and the molten matrix metal (33) and /or filler material (31) or preform and/or impermeable container (32), thereby causing molten matrix metal (33) to infiltrate the filler material (31) or preform due to, at least in part, the creation of a self-generated vacuum. Such self-generated vacuum infiltration occurs without the application of any external pressure or vacuum.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel process for forming macrocomposite bodies. Particularly, a suitable matrix metal (33), typically in a molten state, is in contact with a suitable mass of filler material or preform (31) located adjacent to, or in contact with, at least one second material in the presence of a suitable reactive atmosphere in an impermeable container (32), at least at some point during the process, which permits a reaction to occur between the reactive atmosphere and the molten matrix metal (33) and/or mass of filler material or preform (31) and/or impermeable container (32), thereby causing molten matrix metal (33) to infiltrate the mass of filler material or preform (31) due to, at least in part, the creation of a self-generated vacuum. Such self-generated vacuum infiltration occurs without the application of any external pressure or vacuum. The molten matrix metal (33) infiltrates the mass of filler material or preform (31) to such an extent that the molten matrix metal (33) contacts at least a portion of the at least one second material. Upon cooling the matrix metal (33) to a temperature below the melting point of the matrix metal, a macrocomposite body is formed comprising a metal matrix composite body bonded to at least a portion of the at least one second material.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a method for making a self-supporting ceramic composite article having a porous core bearing a dense surface layer formed integrally with said core. A preform comprises a filler material and parent metal distributed therethrough, wherein the volume percent of parent metal is sufficient to form a volume of oxidation reaction product exceeding the total volume available within said preform. The parent metal is molted and reacted with an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product filling the spatial volume and leaving voids. The reaction is continued to further transport molten parent metal through the oxidation reaction product to at least one surface of the preform to form oxidation reaction product on said surface substantially free of voids thereby forming a relatively dense surface layer.