Method for making ceramic-metal gradient composites

摘要

A process for fabricating ceramic-metal composites having ceramic and metal phases wherein the ceramic to metal ratio changes within the ceramic. The process includes the steps of contacting a porous ceramic matrix material with a molten metal whereby capillary action pulls the metal into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic matrix has a porosity gradient wherein the infiltrated composite has a varying ratio of ceramic to metal.