Abstract: A metal matrix composite may be produced by atomizing a stream of molten aluminum-lithium alloy to form a spray of hot metal particles by subjecting the stream to relatively cold gas directed at the stream, applying to the stream or spray fine solid particles of reinforcement e.g. silicon carbide, and depositing the metal having the fine particles incorporated therein. The resulting composite has the following properties in an extruded and age hardened state:0.2% Proof strength - at least 400 MPaTensile strength - at least 440 MPaElongation - at least 2.0%Modulus of elasticity - at least 85 GPaDensity - maximum 2.75 Mg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for the production of a continuous uniform length of coherent metal. A cone 10 of atomized metal particles is deposited on a surface 12, which is continuously withdrawn in the form of a length of coherent metal 14. Shaping means 16 are provided to make the withdrawn deposit uniform along its length. The equipment is protected from the atmosphere by a hood 18 through which the length of metal is withdrawn through an aperture provided with a seal 20. Preferably, the deposit is of circular cross-section and is caused to rotate during withdrawal about its longitudinal axis. The equipment is suitable to form billet or rod or tube.

Abstract: In the production of alloys, particularly Al alloys, by a continuous casting process a supplementary alloy stream is continuously fed into a main metal stream running to the casting mould. The supplementary alloy stream preferably amounts to 1-20% of the main metal stream and has a liquidus temperature above the temperature of the main metal stream so that on contact with the main metal stream, intermetallic phases are precipitated very rapidly as a result of the high chill rates.This mode of casting reduces the risk of coarse primary particles when casting alloys of high alloying element content. The supplementary alloy stream need not be based on the same metal as the main metal stream. The method is considered suitable for the addition of various metals, such as Zr, Mn, Cu, Fe, to aluminium and aluminium alloys to overcome a variety of difficulties and to produce alloy products of improved properties.

Abstract: A composite metal sheet or plate is manufactured by completely immersing an assembly of parallel or substantially parallel metal core sheets in molten metal at a lower melting point than the metal of the core sheets, and after the molten metal has solidified reducing the thickness of the ingot by hot rolling in a direction generally normal to the planes of the core sheets. The method has a particularly useful but by no means exclusive application in the production of reinforced aluminium alloy sheets and plates.