Directional solidification of metal matrix composites
AssigneeLanxide Technology Company, LP
InventorsMichael K. Aghajanian, Robert C. Kantner, John P. Biel, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A metal matrix composite is formed by contacting a molten matrix alloy with a permeable mass of filler material or preform in the presence of an infiltrating atmosphere. Under these conditions, the molten matrix alloy will spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material or preform under normal atmospheric pressures. Once a desired amount of spontaneous infiltration has been achieved, or during the spontaneous infiltration step, the matrix metal which has infiltrated the permeable mass of filler material or preform is directionally solidified. This technique allows the production of spontaneously infiltrated metal matrix composites having improved microstructures and properties.
Claims45
A method for making a metal matrix composite, comprising:
- providing a substantially non-reactive filler;
- providing an infiltration enhancer precursor in at least a portion of said filler;
- spontaneously infiltrating at least a portion of the filler with molten matrix metal to form a spontaneously infiltrated mass;
- and
- directionally solidifying at least a portion of said spontaneously infiltrated mass.
A method for making a metal matrix composite, comprising:
- providing a molten matrix metal;
- contacting said molten matrix metal with a permeable mass comprising a substantially non-reactive filler;
- supplying a material comprising an infiltration enhancer precursor to at least said permeable mass;
- spontaneously infiltrating at least a portion of said permeable mass;
- and
- after a desired amount of infiltration of said permeable mass has occurred, contacting said infiltrated mass with a directional solidification means thereby causing said molten matrix metal to solidify directionally within said permeable mass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.