Abstract: The compositions of this invention comprise uncrosslinked reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one metal-containing polymer comprising a metal-nitrogen polymer.Preferred compositions of this invention comprise reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one of: silicon-nitrogen polymers, aluminum-nitrogen polymers and boron-nitrogen and polymer combinations thereof comprising a multiplicity of sequentially bonded repeat units the compositions comprising the reaction products of the reaction mixtures, and the compositions obtained by crosslinking the reaction products of the reaction mixtures. The crosslinking may be effected through at least one of thermal-based, radiation-based free radical-based or ionic-based crosslinking mechanisms.

Abstract: The compositions of this invention comprise uncrosslinked reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one metal-containing polymer comprising a metal-nitrogen polymer.Preferred compositions of this invention comprise reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one of: silicon-nitrogen polymers, aluminum-nitrogen polymers and boron-nitrogen and polymer combinations thereof comprising a multiplicity of sequentially bonded repeat units the compositions comprising the reaction products of the reaction mixtures, and the compositions obtained by crosslinking the reaction products of the reaction mixtures. The crosslinking may be effected through at least one of thermal-based, radiation-based free radical-based or ionic-based crosslinking mechanisms.

Abstract: The compositions of this invention comprise uncrosslinked reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one metal-containing polymer.Preferred compositions of this invention comprise reaction mixtures comprising (1) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer comprising a multiplicity of organic, electrophilic substituents, and (2) at least one of: at least one of: a polymer selected from the group consisting of silicon-nitrogen polymers, aluminum-nitrogen polymers and boron-nitrogen polymers comprising a multiplicity of sequentially bonded repeat units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions derived from polymers containing metal-nitrogen bonds, which compositions exhibit, among other things, desirable oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and hydrolytic stability when exposed to adverse environments, whether at ambient or at elevated temperatures, and which may be useful as, for example, protective coatings on surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies by using a barrier material. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform up to the barrier material. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. Accordingly, shaped metal matrix composite bodies can be produced having superior surface finish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for making a macrocomposite body. Specifically, a metal matrix composite body is first formed and thereafter, a ceramic body or a ceramic matrix composite body is caused to form from at least one surface of the already formed metal matrix composite body. The ceramic or ceramic composite body can be formed by, for example, changing from spontaneous infiltration conditions which permit a molten matrix metal to infiltrate a filler material or preform to conditions which favor the growth of a ceramic oxidation reaction product from the matrix metal (e.g., the matrix metal serves the dual role of a matrix metal and a parent metal for growth of oxidation reaction product). The growth of oxidation reaction product can occur from one or more surfaces of a metal matrix composite body and can be controlled to result in any desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a rigidized filler material or a rigidized preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the rigidized filler material or rigidized preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. In one embodiment of the invention, a filler material or preform can be rigidized by firing and at least partially sintering the filler material so as to provide a three-dimensionally interconnected network of sintered filler material. In another embodiment of the invention, a refractory material mixture is contacted against an exterior surface of a preform or filler material and at least at some point during the process becomes structurally supportive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming internal shapes in metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. Additionally, the filler material or preform may contain a mandrel which is capable of surviving the infiltration process, said mandrel being removed after infiltration has occurred. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Specifically, in a particularly preferred embodiment for making metal matrix composite bodies by a spontaneous infiltration technique, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a rigidized filler material or a rigidized preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the rigidized filler material or riigidized preform. A structural refractory material which holds the preform is made by forming a first precursor to the supportive structural refractory material and subsequently causing the precursor to become a rigid supportive structural member. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies by using a reactive barrier material. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform up to the reactive barrier material. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. Accordingly, shaped metal matrix composite bodies can be produced having superior surface finish.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is formed by contacting a molten matrix metal with a permeable mass of filler material or preform in the presence of an infiltrating atmosphere. Under these conditions, the molten matrix metal will spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material or preform under normal atmospheric pressures. Once a desired amount of spontaneous infiltration has been achieved, or during the spontaneous infiltration step, the matrix metal which has infiltrated the permeable mass of filler material or preform is directionally solidified. The directionally solidified metal matrix composite may be heated to a temperature in excess of the liquidus temperature of the matrix metal and quenched. This technique allows the production of spontaneously infiltrated metal matrix composites having improved microstructures and properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a rigidized filler material or a rigidized preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the rigidized filler material or rigidized preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is formed by contacting a molten matrix alloy with a permeable mass of filler material or preform in the presence of an infiltrating atmosphere. Under these conditions, the molten matrix alloy will spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material or preform under normal atmospheric pressures. Once a desired amount of spontaneous infiltration has been achieved, or during the spontaneous infiltration step, the matrix metal which has infiltrated the permeable mass of filler material or preform is directionally solidified. The directionally solidified metal matrix composite may be heated to a temperature in excess of the liquidus temperature of the matrix metal and quenched. This technique allows the production of spontaneously infiltrated metal matrix composites having improved microstructures and properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for forming metal matrix composite bodies, and the metal matrix composite bodies produced according to the novel method. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material is formed into a preform by first forming a negative cavity in a matrix metal and thereafter placing said permeable mass of filler material into said cavity. An infiltration enhancer and/or an infiltration enhancer precursor and/or an infiltrating atmosphere are also in communication with the filler material, at least at some point along the process, which permit the matrix metal, when made molten, to spontaneously infiltrate the permeable mass of filler material, which at some point during the processing, may become self-supporting.