METHOD FOR FORMING METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES HAVING VARIABLE FILLER LOADINGS AND PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREBY

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matri x composite bodies and novel products produced by the method. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material or a preform has included therein at least some matrix metal powder. Moreover, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with the filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. The presence of powdered matrix metal in the preform or filler material reduces the relative volume fraction of filler material to matrix metal.