Method for making materials having artificially dispersed nano-size phases and articles made therewith

An article manufactured by a method, the method comprising

• providing a nanocomposite material, wherein providing said nanocomposite material comprises
• providing a molten material;
• providing a nano-sized material, said nano-sized material being substantially inert with respect to said molten material;
• introducing said nano-sized material into said molten material;
• dispersing said nano-sized material within said molten material using at least one dispersion technique selected from the group consisting of
• agitating said molten material using ultrasonic energy to disperse said nano-sized material within said molten material,
• introducing at least one active element into said molten material to enhance wetting of said nano-sized material by said molten material, and
• coating said nano-sized material with a wetting agent to promote wetting of said molten metal on said nano-sized material;
• solidifying said molten material to form a solid nanocomposite material, said nanocomposite material comprising a dispersion of said nano-sized material within a solid matrix, wherein said solid matrix comprises a directionally solidified material or a single crystal material;
• and
• forming said nanocomposite material into said article.