PREPARATION OF A METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE BODY BY A SPONTANEOUS INFILTRATION PROCESS

摘要

In the present improved process for producing a metal matrix composite body by spontaneous infiltration, a permeable mass or preform to be infiltrated is exposed to a source of infiltration enhance or infiltration enhance precursor which has been heated to a temperature beyond the expected infiltration temperature. Specifically, the infiltration enhance or its precursor is heated to a temperature at which its vapor pressure is at least 100 millitorr or at least 100 DEG C greater than the temperature at which subsequent infiltration will occur. This temporary temperature excursion permits the concentration of infiltration enhance or its precursor to more rapidly increase within the permeable mass or preform, thereby more quickly permitting spontaneous infiltration to initiate and proceed.