Abstract: This invention relates generally to a novel method of manufacturing a composite body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for modifying the resultant properties of a composite body, by, for example, minimizing the amount of porosity present in the composite body. Additives such as TaC, ZrC, ZrB.sub.2, VC, NbC, WC, W.sub.2 B.sub.5 and/or MoO.sub.2 B.sub.5 can be combined with a boron carbide material which is thereafter reactively infiltrated by a parent metal. The composite body comprises one or more boron-containing compounds (e.g., a boride or a boride and a carbide) which is made by the reactive infiltration of molten parent metal into the boron carbide mass. Particular emphasis is placed upon modifying the properties of a ZrB.sub.2 -ZrC-Zr composite body. However, the methods disclosed in the application are believed to be generic to a number of parent metals and preform materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of manufacturing a composite body, such as a ZrB.sub.2 -ZrC-Zr composite body, by utilizing a carburization technique. Moreover, the invention relates to novel products made according to the process. The novel process modifies the residual parent metal which remains in a composite body, by exposing said residual metal to a carburizing environment. Thus, by modifying the composition of residual parent metal, the properties of the resultant composite body can also be modified. Parent metals such as zirconium, titanium, and hafnium are well suited to be treated by the carburizing process according to the present invention.