초록 ▼

The present invention relates to modifying the properties of a metal matrix composite body by a post formation process treatment and/or a substantially contiguous modification treatment. The post formation process treatment may be applicable to a variety of metal matrix composite bodies produced by

The present invention relates to modifying the properties of a metal matrix composite body by a post formation process treatment and/or a substantially contiguous modification treatment. The post formation process treatment may be applicable to a variety of metal matrix composite bodies produced by various techniques, and is particularly applicable to modifying the properties of a metal matrix composite body produced by a spontaneous infiltration technique. The substantially contiguous modification process may also be used primarily in conjunction with metal matrix composite bodies produced according to a spontaneous infiltration technique. Particularly, at least a portion of the matrix metal of the metal matrix composite body and/or the filler material of the metal matrix composite body is modified or altered during and/or after the formation process.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for making a metal matrix composite, comprising: providing a body comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of a loose mass of substantially non-reactive filler and a preform comprising a shaped substantially non-reactive filler; spontaneously infiltrating at least

A method for making a metal matrix composite, comprising: providing a body comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of a loose mass of substantially non-reactive filler and a preform comprising a shaped substantially non-reactive filler; spontaneously infiltrating at least a portion of said body with molten matrix metal; contacting at least a portion of said body or said matrix metal with a second metal which is different in composition from said matrix metal, thereby modifying at least one property of the infiltrated body; and cooling said infiltrated body containing said matrix metal and second metal therein, thereby forming a metal matrix composite.