Metal impregnated composites and methods of making

摘要

Metal-impregnated composite materials and methods of making these are provided. The materials include a reinforcing material of reinforcing fibers, in which the fibers are tightly packed and have discontinuous inter-fiber spaces. In addition, the composite includes metal particulates distributed in at least some of the discontinuous inter-fiber spaces. A polymer encases the reinforcing material and the metal particulates. Methods may include the step of subjecting plies, to which polymer and metal particulates are applied, concurrently to (1) a magnetic field oriented to urge the metal particulates into the plies and (2) to vibration forces. Thereafter, the polymer and metal particulate-containing plies are consolidated under heat and pressure.