| abstract |
Abstract of the Disclosure A method is taught for the introduction of in-situ precipitated second phase materials, such as ceramic or intermetallic particles in a metal matrix, to a host metal. When an initial solvent-assisted reaction is utilized, metal-second phase composites having highly superior properties may be obtained. The invention may utilize the reaction of the second phase-forming constituents in a solvent metal medium to provide an intermediate material of finely-dispersed second phase particles in an intermediate metal matrix, in the form of a porous mass or sponge. Any desired loading of second phase in the final composite may be achieved by the admixture of this preformed intermediate material having a relatively high content of particulate material, with a molten host metal. Exemplary materials include titanium diboride in an aluminum matrix and titanium carbide in an aluminum matrix. |