Metal matrix composite wires, cables, and method
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsHerve E. Deve, Michael W. Carpenter, Colin McCullough, Paul S. Werner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Metal matrix composite wires that include a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a metal matrix. The wire exhibits zero breaks over a length of at least 300 meters when tested according to a specified test.
Claims31
A metal matrix composite wire comprising at least one tow comprising a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a metal matrix, wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and mixtures thereof, wherein the metal matrix has a melting point of not greater than 1100° C., and wherein the wire has a length of at least 300 meters and, for 300 meters of the wire, a bend failure value of zero.
A cable comprising at least one metal matrix composite wire comprising at least one tow comprising a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a metal matrix, wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and mixtures thereof, wherein the metal matrix has a melting point of not greater than 1100° C., and wherein the wire has a length of at least 300 meters and, for 300 meters of the wire, a bend failure value of zero.
A method for making a metal matrix composite wire comprising a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a metal matrix, the method comprising:
- providing a contained volume of molten metal matrix material, wherein the metal matrix material has a melting point of not greater than 1100° C.;
- immersing at least one tow comprising a plurality of substantially continuous fibers into the contained volume of melted matrix material, wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, and mixtures thereof;
- imparting ultrasonic energy to cause vibration of at least a portion of the contained volume of molten metal matrix material to permit at least a portion of the molten metal matrix material to infiltrate into the plurality of fibers such that an infiltrated plurality of fibers is provided;
- and
- withdrawing the infiltrated plurality of fibers from the contained volume of molten metal matrix material under conditions which permit the molten metal matrix material to solidify to provide a metal matrix composite wire comprising at least one tow comprising a plurality of the fibers, wherein the fibers are substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned in a metal matrix, wherein the metal matrix has a melting point of not greater than 1000° C., and wherein the wire has a length of at least 300 meters and, for 300 meters of the wire, a bend failure value of zero.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.