FORMING MACROCOMPOSITE BODIES BY SELF GENERATED VACUUM TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTS SO FORMED

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel process for forming macrocomposite bodies. Particularly, a suitable matrix metal (33), typically in a molten state, is in contact with a suitable mass of filler material or preform (31) located adjacent to, or in contact with, at least one second material in the presence of a suitable reactive atmosphere in an impermeable container (32), at least at some point during the process, which permits a reaction to occur between the reactive atmosphere and the molten matrix metal (33) and/or mass of filler material or preform (31) and/or impermeable container (32), thereby causing molten matrix metal (33) to infiltrate the mass of filler material or preform (31) due to, at least in part, the creation of a self-generated vacuum. Such self-generated vacuum infiltration occurs without the application of any external pressure or vacuum. The molten matrix metal (33) infiltrates the mass of filler material or preform (31) to such an extent that the molten matrix metal (33) contacts at least a portion of the at least one second material. Upon cooling the matrix metal (33) to a temperature below the melting point of the matrix metal, a macrocomposite body is formed comprising a metal matrix composite body bonded to at least a portion of the at least one second material.