Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies and the novel products produced therefrom. A negative shape or cavity, which is complementary to the desired metal matrix composite body to be produced, is first formed. The formed cavity is thereafter filled with a permeable mass of filler material (7). Molten matrix metal (8) is then induced to spontaneously infiltrate the filled cavity. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are also in communication with the filler material (7), at least at some point during the process, which permits the matrix metal (8) when made molten, to spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material (7), which at some point during the processing, may become self-supporting. In a preferred embodiment, cavities can be produced by a process which is similar to the so-called lost-wax process.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies. A permeable mass of filler material (1) is spontaneously infiltrated by a molten matrix metal (3). Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with the filler material (1) at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal (3) to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material (1). After infiltration has been completed to a desired extent, additional matrix metal is added to that matrix metal (3) which has spontaneously infiltrated the filler material (1) to result in a suspension of filler material (1) and matrix metal (3), said suspension having a lower volume fraction of filler relative to matrix metal. The matrix metal (3) then can be permitted to cool in situ or the mixture of matrix metal and filler material can be poured into a second container as a casting process to form a desired shape which corresponds to the second container. However, the formed suspension, whether cast immediately after being formed or cooling and thereafter heating and casting, can be pour cast into a desired shape.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation of a macrocomposite body by spontaneously infiltrating a permeable mass of filler material or a preform (4) with molten matrix metal (2) and bonding the spontaneously infiltrated material to at least one second material such as a ceramic or ceramic containing body and/or a metal or metal containing body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or infiltration enhancer precursor and/or infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform (4), at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal (2) to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform (4). Moreover, prior to infiltration, the filler material or preform (4) is placed into contact with at least a portion of a second material such that after infiltration of the filler material or preform (4), the infiltrated material is bonded to the second material, thereby forming a macrocomposite body.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation of a macrocomposite body by spontaneously infiltrating a permeable mass of filler material or a preform (4) with molten matrix metal (2) and bonding the spontaneously infiltrated material to at least one second material such as a ceramic or ceramic containing body and/or a metal or metal containing body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or infiltration enhancer precursor and/or infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform (4), at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal (2) to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform (4). Moreover, prior to infiltration, the filler material or preform (4) is placed into contact with at least a portion of a second material such that after infiltration of the filler material or preform (4), the infiltrated material is bonded to the second material, thereby forming a macrocomposite body.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation of a metal matrix composite body by a spontaneous infiltration technique and thereafter thermo-forming the produced metal matrix composite body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material (2) or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material (2) or preform. After formation of the metal matrix composite body, the body is subjected to a thermo-forming technique such as rolling, extruding, die casting, pressing, etc.