US 5,350,004 AGranted

Rigidized filler materials for metal matrix composites and precursors to supportive structural refractory molds

AssigneeLanxide Technology Company, LP

InventorsMichael A. Rocazella, Kurt J. Becker, Michael K. Aghajanian

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Specifically, in a particularly preferred embodiment for making metal matrix composite bodies by a spontaneous infiltration technique, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a rigidized filler material or a rigidized preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the rigidized filler material or riigidized preform. A structural refractory material which holds the preform is made by forming a first precursor to the supportive structural refractory material and subsequently causing the precursor to become a rigid supportive structural member. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for making a metal matrix composite comprising:

providing at least one permeable mass of at least one filler;
rigidizing said at least one permeable mass to form at least one rigidized mass by (1) at least one process selected from the group consisting of (a) mixing at least one colloidal oxide having strengthening characteristics with said at least one permeable mass and (b) heating said at least one permeable mass to a sufficient temperature and holding at said temperature for a sufficient amount of time to at least partially sinter at least one of said at least one colloidal oxide having strengthening effects and said at least one filler and (2) at least partially surrounding said at least one permeable mass with at least one precursor to at least one supportive structural refractory material which contacts at least a portion of at least one exterior surface of said at least one permeable mass, causing said at least one precursor to at least one supportive structural refractory material to become at least one supportive structural refractory material;
and
spontaneously infiltrating at least a portion of said at least one rigidized mass with at least one molten matrix metal.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.