VLS silicon carbide whisker reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract

A method for preparing vapor-liquid-solid silicon carbide whisker reinforced metal matrix composites by a squeeze casting process employing a primary pressure and then a hydrostatic pressure to form the reinforced composites. The process to make the composites comprises: 1) providing VLS silicon carbide whiskers in a mold cavity; 2) introducing a molten metal into the mold cavity; 3) subjecting the molten metal and VLS silicon carbide whiskers in the cavity to a primary pressure of about 100 psi to about 2000 psi to infiltrate the whiskers with the molten metal; 4) subsequently subjecting the VLS silicon carbide whiskers infiltrated with the molten metal to a hydrostatic pressure of about 10,000 psi to about 25,000 psi to produce a fully dense mass; and 5) solidifying the metal matrix to form a composite.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.