A METHOD OF FORMING METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE BODIES BY A SPONTANEOUS INFILTRATION PROCESS AND PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREFROM

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metalmatrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or aninfiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are incommunication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some pointduring the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneouslyinfiltrate the filler material or preform. Such spontaneous infiltrationoccurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure orvacuum.