Cast composite material having a matrix containing a stable oxide-forming element
AssigneeDural Aluminum Composites Corp.
InventorsRichard S. Bruski, Larry G. Hudson, Michael D. Skibo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cast composite material is prepared from a modified aluminum-containing matrix and reinforcement particles mixed into the matrix. From about 15 to about 130, preferably from about 20 to about 50, parts per million of an element, preferably beryllium, that forms a more stable oxide than magnesium oxide is included in the matrix alloy. The stable-oxide-forming element reduces the amount and thickness of the aluminum oxide and other oxides formed at the surface of the melt, which otherwise may be mixed into the melt to cause microstructural irregularities in the matrix of the cast composite material.
Claims8
A method for preparing a composite material, comprising the steps of:
- furnishing a matrix alloy containing aluminum, and further containing from about 15 to about 130 parts per million by weight of an oxide forming element selected from the group consisting of beryllium, lanthanum, thorium, scandium, and yttrium;
- furnishing particles of a reinforcement material;
- melting the matrix alloy;
- adding the particles of the reinforcement material to the molten matrix alloy;
- mixing together the molten matrix alloy and the particles of the reinforcement material to wet the matrix alloy to the particles, while minimizing the introduction of any gas into and minimizing the retention of any gas within, the mixture;
- and
- casting the resulting mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.