Laser fabrication of discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites
US7521017B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are reinforced metal matrix composites and methods of shaping powder materials to form such composites. Articles of manufacture are formed in layers by a laser fabrication process. In the process, powder is melted and cooled to form successive layers of a discontinuously reinforced metal matrix. The matrix exhibits fine grain structure with enhanced properties over the unreinforced metal, including higher tensile modulus, higher strength, and greater hardness. In some preferred embodiments, an in-situ alloy powder, a powder metallurgy blend, or independently provided powders are reinforced with boron and/or carbon to form the composite.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.