Abstract: A method to at least partially impregnate a porous ceramic body with a metal comprising positioning a sacrificial porous ceramic transport means in physical contact with the metal and between the porous ceramic body to be impregnated and the metal; interposing a sufficient amount of a ceramic powder in contacting relationship between the ceramic body and the transport means to enable the metal to flow from the ceramic transport means to the ceramic body and insufficient to permit metal bonding between the transport means and the ceramic body, at least one constituent of the powder being wettable by, and chemically reactive with the metal; and maintaining at least the ceramic body and metal transport means at a temperature, and for a time, sufficient for at least a portion of the metal to flow through the transport means and into the ceramic body to impregnate the ceramic body a predetermined amount to form a metal impregnated ceramic body of near net shape.

Abstract: A method of infiltrating a porous ceramic compact with a molten metal to form a cermet is disclosed. A solid-phase metal is disposed on a surface of a porous ceramic compact. The surface of the porous ceramic compact is at an angle to the horizontal which is sufficient to allow molten metal formed from the solid-phase metal to rupture an oxide layer at least partially supporting the molten metal. The solid-phase metal is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the solid-phase metal and to allow the molten metal formed to rupture the oxide layer. The molten metal flows through an opening in the metal oxide layer formed by the rupture and infiltrates the porous ceramic compact. The porous ceramic compact, containing the molten metal, is then cooled to a temperature whereby the molten metal solidifies, thereby forming a cermet.