Method of forming metal matrix composites by use of an immersion casting technique and product produced thereby
AssigneeLanxide Technology Company, LP
InventorJohn T. Burke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material is formed into a preform. An infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are also in communication with the preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the preform when the preform is placed into the molten matrix metal. A means for maintaining the preform at least partially below the surface of the molten matrix metal can also be utilized.
Claims34
A method for forming a metal matrix composite body comprising:
- forming a molten source of matrix metal;
- forming a preform comprising a mass of substantially non-reactive filler material;
- providing a material comprising an infiltration enhancer precursor to at least one of the matrix metal and the preform;
- providing an infiltrating atmosphere to be in communication with at least one of the preform and the matrix metal for at least a portion of the spontaneous infiltration;
- reacting said infiltration enhancer precursor with at least one species selected from the group consisting of the infiltrating atmosphere and at least one material added to said preform, thereby forming infiltration enhancer in at least a portion of said preform;
- immersing the permeable preform into said molten source of matrix metal;
- and
- spontaneously infiltrating at least a portion of the preform with molten matrix metal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.