Method for forming metal matrix composite bodies by using a modified spontaneous infiltration process and products produced thereby

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Specifically, a metal which typically would not exhibit spontaneous infiltration properties under a given set of processing conditions can be induced to infiltrate a filler material or preform when combined or contacted with a matrix metal which does exhibit spontaneous infiltration properties. Stated more particularly, when an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, and a metal which, under the process conditions, ordinarily would not exhibit spontaneous infiltration, is combined with (e.g., alloyed, mixed with and/or exposed to) a matrix metal which does exhibit spontaneous infiltration behavior under the same processing conditions, the combination of metals will spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.