Metal matrix composite
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMarc R. Matsen, Susan V. Laurenti, Donald M. Montgomery
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A metal matrix composite is made by roll consolidating a sandwich formed from alternating layers of a matrix metal, a brazing alloy, and reinforcing fiber at elevated temperature and pressure. If made in a process using mandrels to impart the pressure and heat, such as a process described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,562, the metal matrix composite is kept separate from the mandrels by using a release agent or stop-off such as a layer of boron nitride between the mandrel and layup.
Claims15
A matrix composite comprising a metal matrix interspersed with a bonding aid and fibers made by the process comprising the steps of:
- forming a workpiece including a metal matrix interspersed with a bonding aid and fibers, said bonding aid having a melting point lower than that of said metal matrix and said fibers;
- heating said workpiece to a selected temperature;
- and
- applying pressure to said workpiece to consolidate said workpiece.
A metal matrix composite comprising a consolidated body formed under heat and pressure in an inert atmosphere from a workpiece having alternating layers of a matrix metal, a brazing alloy, and reinforcing fibers.
A metal matrix composite comprising a metal matrix interspersed with a bonding aid and fibers made by the process of producing a composite material comprising the steps of:
- forming a workpiece including a metal matrix interspersed with a bonding aid and fibers, the bonding aid having a melting point lower than that of the metal matrix and the fibers;
- supporting the workpiece by electrically conductive support means;
- inductively heating the support means and thereby conductively heating the workpiece to a selected temperature;
- and
- applying pressure to the support means thereby to apply pressure to the workpiece to consolidate the workpiece, the support means remaining distinct and separable from the workpiece after consolidation of the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.