Metal matrix composites, and methods for making the same
First Claim
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1. A method for making a metal matrix composite insert, the method comprising:
- consolidating a three dimensional array of elongated metal matrix composite articles together to provide a metal matrix composite insert, wherein at least three of the elongated metal matrix composite articles each comprise a plurality of substantially continuous fibers selected from the group consisting of boron fibers, boron nitride fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic oxide fibers, graphite fibers, silicon carbide fibers, and combinations thereof in a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof, wherein the metal secures the substantially continuous fibers in place, and wherein the metal extends along at least a portion of the length of the substantially continuous fibers, and wherein the metal matrix composite insert comprises the substantially continuous fibers and metal of the elongated metal matrix composite articles, wherein such metal secures the substantially continuous fibers in place, wherein at least 50 percent by volume of the metal matrix composite insert are the substantially continuous fibers, wherein such metal extends along at least a portion of the length of the substantially continuous fibers.
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Abstract
Metal matrix composite inserts and articles, and methods for making the same.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method for making a metal matrix composite insert, the method comprising:
consolidating a three dimensional array of elongated metal matrix composite articles together to provide a metal matrix composite insert, wherein at least three of the elongated metal matrix composite articles each comprise a plurality of substantially continuous fibers selected from the group consisting of boron fibers, boron nitride fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic oxide fibers, graphite fibers, silicon carbide fibers, and combinations thereof in a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof, wherein the metal secures the substantially continuous fibers in place, and wherein the metal extends along at least a portion of the length of the substantially continuous fibers, and wherein the metal matrix composite insert comprises the substantially continuous fibers and metal of the elongated metal matrix composite articles, wherein such metal secures the substantially continuous fibers in place, wherein at least 50 percent by volume of the metal matrix composite insert are the substantially continuous fibers, wherein such metal extends along at least a portion of the length of the substantially continuous fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A metal matrix composite reinforcement insert comprising:
substantially continuous fibers and a metal, wherein the metal secures the substantially continuous fibers in place, wherein at least 50 percent by volume of the metal matrix composite insert are the substantially continuous fibers, wherein the metal extends along at least a portion of the length of the substantially continuous fibers, wherein the substantially continuous fibers are selected from the group consisting of boron fibers, boron nitride fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic oxide fibers, graphite fibers, silicon carbide fibers, and combinations thereof, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof, wherein the metal matrix composite reinforcement insert includes a microstructure comprising a plurality of generally polygonal shapes, and wherein for at least some of the generally polygonal shapes, each generally polygonal shape generally shares a common vertex with at least two adjacent generally polygonal shapes. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
Specification