Metal matrix composite material

A metal matrix composite material comprising:

• a first skin layer made of a metal material;
• and
• a second skin layer made of a metal material, each of the skin layers having a main wall with opposed lateral walls on each end, the first skin layer having a main wall having a length greater than a length of the main wall of the second skin layer so that the opposed lateral walls of the second skin layer are each disposed inside of a respective opposed lateral wall of the first skin layer, and
• an intermediate layer disposed between and in contact with the first skin layer and the second skin layer, the intermediate layer including a metal powder and a ceramic powder, the ceramic powder having a neutron absorbing function;
• wherein the intermediate layer has a theoretical density ratio at least 98%, and a percentage of a total thickness of the first and second skin layers to an overall thickness of the intermediate layer is in a range of 15 to 25%.

A metal matrix composite material made by a process, the metal matrix composite material comprising:

• a pair of metal plates having a powder mixture disposed therebetween forming an intermediate layer, each of the metal plates having a main wall with opposed lateral walls on each end, a first of the metal plates having a main wall having a length greater than a length of the main wall of a second of the metal plates so that the opposed lateral walls of the second metal plate are each disposed inside of a respective opposed lateral wall of the first metal plate, and
• the powder mixture including a metal powder and a ceramic powder, the ceramic powder having a neutron absorbing function, wherein the intermediate layer has a theoretical density ratio at least 98%, and a percentage of a total thickness of the metal plates to an overall thickness of the intermediate layer is in a range of 15 to 25%, the metal matrix composite material being produced by the process comprising the steps of:
• (a) mixing the metal powder and the ceramic powder to prepare the powder mixture;
• (b) providing a metal casing having the first metal plate and the second metal plate;
• (c) packing the powder mixture into at least one of the metal plates;
• (d) combining the metal plates to form the metal casing filled with the powder mixture by placing the upper casing on the lower casing so as to prepare a pre-rolling assembly;
• (e) preheating the pre-rolling assembly in such a manner so as to maintain the powder mixture in a powder state;
• and
• (f) rolling the pre-rolling assembly following said step of preheating to obtain the metal matrix composite material.