Method for forming infiltrated fiber-reinforced metallic and intermetallic alloy matrix composites
AssigneeAlliedSignal Inc.
InventorsDan G. Rosenthal, Donald E. Larsen, Jr.
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Abstract
Reinforced metallic or intermetallic alloy matrix composite materials which are reinforced by the incorporation of preferably small-diameter ceramic fibers infiltrated within a metal bonding layer. The bonding layer comprises a foil, such as copper, which forms a molten eutectic alloy with the major metal of the matrix alloy, such as titanium, and infiltrates the fibers to form a unitary reinforced composite.
Claims8
A method for forming a metal matrix composite having good strength at high temperatures and good ductility, comprising the steps of superposing at least one layer of a metallic or intermetallic alloy, at least one thin bonding layer of a metal capable of melting and forming a fluid eutectic alloy with the major metal component of said metallic or intermetallic alloy at a temperature within the range of about 1650.degree. F. to 1800.degree. F., and at least one layer of inert, temperature-resistant reinforcing fibers in association with said thin bonding layer and said layer of metallic or intermetallic alloy, and metallurgically bonding said layers together at a temperature of between about 1650.degree. and 1800.degree. F., at which said fibers are inert and temperature-resistant, to cause said metal of said bonding layer to form a fluid eutectic alloy with said major metal present at the contacting surface(s) or of said layer(s) of metallic or intermetallic alloy and to infiltrate said layer of reinforcing fibers, and cooling said layers to form a metallurgically bonded laminate containing said fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.