Abstract: The present invention relates to processes to produce ceramic reinforced and ceramic-metal matrix composite articles. More specifically, the invention concerns the use of pressure filtration to infiltrate a reinforcing organic or inorganic network with ceramic particles. Centrifugation is also used to separate the liquid form the slurry. After heating the reinforced ceramic article is produced. Pressure filtration is also used to infiltrate an organic polymer or organic fiber network with ceramic particles. The solvent is removed carefully followed by intermediate heating to remove the organic network without deforming the preform shape. After densification, the preform is heated and contacted with molten metal (optionally) with pressure to infiltrate the open channel network. Upon cooling the ceramic metal matrix composite is obtained. The reinforced matrix articles are useful in high temperature and high stress applications, e.g.

Abstract: A metal composition characterized by degenerate dendritic or nodular primary discrete solid particles suspended in a secondary phase having a lower melting point than the primary particles and which secondary phase can be solid or liquid. The method involves raising the temperature of a metal alloy to a value at which the alloy is largely or completely in the molten state. The melt then is subjected to vigorous agitation and the temperature is reduced to increase the portion of the mixture in solid degenerate dendrite or nodular form up to about sixty-five percent, but usually up to about fifty percent, while continuing the agitation. At this juncture the temperature of the liquid-solid composition can be reduced to cause solidification thereof or it can be cast. The solidified composition can be stored and later it can be brought again to the liquid-solid mixture state and then recast.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite composition comprising a metallic matrix having a concentration of third phase solid particles homogeneously dispersed throughout the metallic matrix. The metallic matrix can be liquid, solid or partially solid and can have (a) a dendritic structure or (b) up to 65 weight percent of a structure comprising degenerate dendritic or nodular primary discrete solid particles suspended in a secondary phase having a lower melting point than the primary particles which secondary phase can be solid or liquid. The third phase particles can be metallic, non-metallic or a combination metallic-nonmetallic compositions and have a surface composition which is not wet by the metallic matrix when the matrix is a liquid.

Abstract: A metal composition characterized by degenerate dendritic or nodular primary discrete solid particles suspended in a secondary phase having a lower melting point than the primary particles and which secondary phase can be solid or liquid. The method involves raising the temperature of a metal alloy to a value at which the alloy is largely or completely in the molten state. The melt then is subjected to vigorous agitation and the temperature is reduced to increase the portion of the mixture in solid degenerate dendrite or nodular form up to about sixty-five percent, but usually up to about fifty percent, while continuing the agitation. At this juncture the temperature of the liquid-solid composition can be reduced to cause solidification thereof or it can be cast. The solidified composition can be stored and later it can be brought again to the liquid-solid mixture state and then recast.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite composition comprising a metallic matrix having a concentration of third phase solid particles homogeneously dispersed throughout the metallic matrix. The metallic matrix can be liquid, solid or partially solid and can have (a) a dendritic structure or (b) up to 65 weight percent of a structure comprising degenerate dendritic or nodular primary discrete solid particles suspended in a secondary phase having a lower melting point than the primary particles which secondary phase can be solid or liquid. The third phase particles can be metallic, non-metallic or a combination metallic-nonmetallic compositions and have a surface composition which is not wet by the metallic matrix when the matrix is a liquid.