Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a self-supporting body comprising the steps of:(a) forming a permeable mass comprising at least one solid-phase oxidant selected from the group consisting of the halogens, sulphur and its compounds, metals, metal oxides other than the silicates, and metal nitrides other than those of boron and silicon;(b) orienting said permeable mass and a source of said parent metal relative to each other so that formation of said oxidation reaction product will occur into said permeable mass;(c) heating said source of parent metal to a temperature above the melting point of said parent metal but below the melting point of said oxidation reaction product to form a body of molten parent metal;(d) reacting said body of molten parent metal with said at least one solid-phase oxidant at said temperature to permit said oxidant at said temperature to permit said oxidation reaction product to form; and(e) maintaining at least a portion of said at least one oxidation reaction product

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e. a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e. a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: Two or more ceramic bodies are bonded together by oxidizing with a vapor-phase oxidant molten metal obtained from a body of precursor metal to form an oxidation reaction product bond. The oxidation reaction product is formed between adjacent facing, substantially congruent surfaces of the ceramic bodies and bridges the surfaces, thus bonding the ceramic bodies to each other. Promoters may optionally be used to facilitate formation of the oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to forming a metal matrix composite between at least two bodies having a similar or a different chemical composition, the metal matrix composite functioning as a bonding means which bond to or fixes the bodies together. Particularly, a metal matrix composite is produced by a spontaneous infiltration technique by providing a filler material or preform with an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or and infiltrating atmosphere, which are in communication with the filler material or preform at least at some point during the process. Molten matrix metal then spontaneously infiltrates the filler material or preform, whereby the metal matrix composite serves to bond together two or more bodies.

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e. a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e., a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to forming a a metal matrix composite between at least two bodies having a similar or a different chemical composition, the metal matrix composite functioning as a bonding means which to bonds or fixes the bodies together. Particularly, a metal matrix composite is produced by a spontaneous infiltration technique by providing a filler material or preform with an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or and infiltrating atmosphere, which are in communication with the filler material or preform at least at some point during the process. Molten matrix metal then spontaneously infiltrates the filler material or preform, whereby the metal matrix composite serves to bond together two or more bodies.

Abstract: Two or more ceramic bodies are bonded together by oxidizing with a vapor-phase oxidant molten metal obtained from a body of precursor metal to form an oxidation reaction product bond. The oxidation reaction product is formed between adjacent facing, substantially congruent surfaces of the ceramic bodies and bridges the surfaces, thus bonding the ceramic bodies to each other. Promoters may optionally be used to facilitate formation of the oxidation reaction product.

Abstract: Ceramic foams in which the open cells are connected by a three-dimensional, substantially continuous ceramic matrix formed of interconnected hollow ligaments, are made from an open-cell, reticulated precursor metal, i.e. a metal foam. The precursor metal first is treated so as to allow a support coating to form thereon, and thereafter the coated precursor is heated above the melting point of the metal in the presence of an oxidant to form an oxidation reaction product.