Reactive matrix infiltration of powder preforms

US11565318B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• UT-BATTELLE, LLC · US
• University of Tennessee Research Foundation · US
• Eck Industries, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Orlando Rios · Knoxville, US
• Craig A. Bridges · Oak Ridge, US
• Amelia M. Elliott · Cleveland, US
• Hunter B. Henderson · Knoxville, US
• Michael S. Kesler · Knoxville, US
• Zachary C. Sims · Knoxville, US
• David Weiss · Manitowoc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 3, 2020
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2023
• Expiry date: Jan 19, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P10/25
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A reactive matrix infiltration process is described herein, which includes contacting a surface of a preform comprising reinforcement material particles with a molten infiltrant comprising a matrix material, the matrix material comprising an Al—Ce alloy, whereby the infiltrant at least partially fills spaces between the reinforcement material particles by capillary action and reacts with the reinforcement material particles to form a composite material form, the composite material comprising the matrix material, at least one intermetallic phase, and, optionally, reinforcement material particles. A composite material form also is described, which includes a plurality of reinforcement material particles comprising a metal alloy or a ceramic, a matrix material at least partially filling spaces between the reinforcement material particles; and at least one intermetallic phase surrounding at least some of the reinforcement material particles. The reinforcement material particles and intermetallic phase together may form a gradient core-shell structure.