Abstract: An improved ceramic/metal composite material is disclosed which is fully reacted with aluminum. The composite is made from a ceramic preform, such as silicon carbide, having a binding agent, such as silica, that is contacted with a metal mixture or alloy, such as aluminum/silicon, that reacts with the binding agent to form a ceramic/metal composite material. Also disclosed is a method of making the improved composite material and articles made incorporating the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An improved ceramic/metal composite material is disclosed which is fully reacted with aluminum. The composite is made from a ceramic preform, such as silicon carbide, having a binding agent, such as silica, that is contacted with a metal mixture or alloy, such as aluminum/silicon, that reacts with the binding agent to form a ceramic/metal composite material. Also disclosed is a method of making the improved composite material and articles made incorporating the material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a non-vapor phase process for forming a metal/ceramic composite containing a relatively inert metal such as silver, copper, or nickel by the reaction of a reactive metal or metal alloy containing the inert metal, and a sacrificial ceramic preform. The resulting metal/ceramic composite is essentially the same shape and dimensions as the sacrificial ceramic preform, and exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties, including improved corrosion and wear resistance.

Abstract: A process is presented for the fabrication of a metal/ceramic composite by a non-vapor phase oxidation of a molten metal by contacting said molten metal at an elevated temperature with a sacrificial ceramic preform. The shape of the preform is retained but the ceramic preform is reduced, oxidizing the molten metal. A preferred sacrificial ceramic preform is silica, but can also be, for example, mullite, titania or zirconia, and the preferred molten metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Thus, for example, is produced from immersing a silica preform into molten aluminum alloy, an Al/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 composite metal/ceramic article which does not contain silica or silicon and which is extremely tough.