Methods for making thin metal matrix composite bodies and articles produced thereby
US5585190A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/30
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel process for forming thin metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the application of any pressure or vacuum. In an embodiment of the present invention, the filler material may be sprayed upon a thin sheet of matrix metal. Alternatively, the filler material may be shaped via tape casting, slip casting, etc. to provide a thin preform. In another embodiment of the present invention, a body of matrix metal may be coated with a filler material such that upon spontaneous infiltration a metal matrix composite body is produced which inversely replicates the configuration of the original body of matrix metal. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of thin tape cast preforms which are segregated by a barrier material (e.g., graphite foil) may be infiltrated with a matrix metal during a single spontaneous infiltration process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.