Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gating means in combination with a spontaneous infiltration process to produce a metal matrix composite body. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material or a preform is spontaneously infiltrated by molten matrix metal to form a metal matrix composite body. A gating means is provided which controls or limits the areal contact between molten matrix metal and the filler material or preform. The use of a gating means provides for control of the amount of matrix metal which can contact the preform or filler material, which may result in less machining of a formed metal matrix composite body compared with a similar metal matrix composite body made without a gating mean. Moreover, the use of a gating means ameliorates the tendency of a formed metal matrix composite body to warp due to the contact between the formed composite body and matrix metal carcass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of a macrocomposite body by spontaneously infiltrating a permeable mass of filler material or a preform with molten matrix metal and bonding the spontaneously infiltrated material to at least one second material such as a ceramic or ceramic containing body and/or a metal or metal containing body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or infiltration enhancer precursor and/or 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. Moreover, prior to infiltration, the filler material or preform is placed into contact with at least a portion of a second material such that after infiltration of the filler material or preform, the infiltrated material is bonded to the second material, thereby forming a sealable electronic package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gating means in combination with a spontaneous infiltration process to produce a metal matrix composite body. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material or a preform is spontaneously infiltrated by molten matrix metal to form a metal matrix composite body. A gating means is provided which controls or limits the areal contact between molten matrix metal and the filler material or preform. The use of a gating means provides for control of the amount of matrix metal which can contact the preform or filler material, which may result in less machining of a formed metal composite body compared with a similar metal matrix composite body made without a gating mean. Moreover, the use of a gating means ameliorates the tendency of a formed metal matrix composite body to warp due to the contact between the formed composite body and matrix metal carcass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of a macrocomposite body by spontaneously infiltrating a permeable mass of filler material or a preform with molten matrix metal and bonding the spontaneously infiltrated material to at least one second material such as a ceramic or ceramic containing body and/or a metal or metal containing body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or infiltration enhancer precursor and/or 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. Moreover, prior to infiltration, the filler material or preform is placed into contact with at least a portion of a second material such that after infiltration of the filler material or preform, the infiltrated material is bonded to the second material, thereby forming a macrocomposite body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gating means in combination with a spontaneous infiltration process to produce a metal matrix composite body. Particularly, a permeable mass of filler material or a preform is spontaneously infiltrated by molten matrix metal to form a metal matrix composite body. A gating means is provided which controls or limits the areal contact between molten matrix metal and the filler material or preform. The use of a gating means provides for control of the amount of matrix metal which can contact the preform or filler material, which may result in less machining of a formed metal matrix composite body compared with a similar metal matrix composite body made without a gating means, moreover, the use of a gating means ameliorates the tendency of a formed metal matrix composite body to warp due to the contact between the formed composite body and matrix metal carcass.