Abstract: A metal-ceramic composite material has a ceramic matrix and a metallic phase, which are intermingled with one another, together form a virtually completely dense body and are in contact with one another at boundary surfaces. An interlayer between the metallic phase and the ceramic matrix has a thickness of between 10 nm and 1 000 nm and is composed of reaction products of the metallic phase and the ceramic phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a surface layer with embedded inter-metallic phases, which is distinguished by the fact that a layer comprising a metal and a ceramic is applied to a substrate element, that a reaction takes place between the metal and the ceramic of the layer as a result of energy being introduced during the application of the layer or as a result of a subsequent introduction of energy, and as a result the surface layer is produced, with inter-metallic phases being formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced structural element comprising a metallic matrix and a reinforcement comprising inorganic fibers, the reinforcement at least partially penetrating through the structural element. The reinforcement is designed in the form of a fabric in at least two dimensions. The structural element with a wall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm takes the form of a metal sheet or semifinished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a surface layer with embedded inter-metallic phases, which is distinguished by the fact that a layer comprising a metal and a ceramic is applied to a substrate element, that a reaction takes place between the metal and the ceramic of the layer as a result of energy being introduced during the application of the layer or as a result of a subsequent introduction of energy, and as a result the surface layer is produced, with inter-metallic phases being formed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing ceramic metal composite bodies, the ceramic metal composite bodies and their use. The process is based on molten infiltration and the simultaneous or delayed exchange reaction of ceramic or metal ceramic un-fired bodies or sintered bodies which may consist of nitrides or carbides as well as metals, with molten metal of additional metals, whereby new nitride, carbide and intermetallic phases are formed which have improved wear and high-temperature characteristics. These ceramic metal composite bodies can be used for tribological applications.