A METHOD OF FORMING METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE BODIES BY UTILIZING A CRUSHED POLYCRYSTALLINE OXIDATION REACTION PRODUCT AS A FILLER, AND PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREBY

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies and novel metal matrix composite bodies produced thereby. Particularly, a polycrystalline oxidation reaction product of a parent metal and an oxidant is first formed. The polycrystalline oxidation reaction product is thereafter comminuted into an appropriately sized filler material (2) which can be placed into a suitable container (4) or formed into a preform. The filler material or preform of comminuted polycrystalline oxidation reaction product (2) is thereafter placed into contact with a matrix metal alloy (1) in the presence of an infiltration enhancer, and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere, at least at some point during the process, whereupon the matrix metal alloy (1) spontaneously infiltrates the filler material or preform. As a result of utilizing comminuted or crushed polycrystalline oxidation reaction product, enhanced infiltration (e.g., enhanced rate or amount) is achieved. Moreover, novel metal matrix composite bodies are produced.