Method of forming a filler material for use in various metal matrix composite body formation processes

A method for making a filler for a metal matrix composite formation process comprising:

• providing a mass of substantially nonreactive filler;
• providing a matrix metal in an amount which is insufficient to completely embed said substantially nonreactive filler;
• providing a material comprising at least one of an infiltration enhancer precursor and an infiltration enhancer to at least one of said substantially nonreactive filler and said matrix metal;
• causing said matrix metal to become molten;
• spontaneously infiltrating said substantially nonreactive filler such that said filler is only coated by said matrix metal, thereby resulting in a porous metal matrix composite body;
• reacting at least a portion of said matrix metal coating on said filler with another material to form a coating comprising reaction product on at least a portion of said filler;
• and
• comminuting the porous metal matrix composite body.