Patent ID: 6193915
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: B22D,C04B,C22C

Abstract:
A process for fabricating a low volume fraction preform from a reinforcement for the fabrication of a metal matrix composite comprising:(a) mixing the reinforcement with a combination of sacrificial fillers, a sinterable binder, and sufficient liquid to provide a mouldable slurry;(b) placing the mouldable slurry into a preform mould;(c) curing the mouldable slurry in the preform mould at a temperature and for a time sufficient to provide a dry green preform;(d) firing the green preform in a. furnace controlled to provide a fired preform under the following combinations of time and temperature as a continuous sequence:(i) heating from about 50.degree. C. to about 210.degree. C. at a rate of 30.degree. C. per hour, followed by holding at about 210.degree. C. for about 30 minutes;(ii) heating from about 210.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C. at a rate of 20.degree. C. per hour, followed by holding at about 260.degree. C. for 60 minutes;(iii) heating from about 260.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. at a rate of 20.degree. C. per hour, followed by holding at about 500.degree. C. for 30 minutes;(iv) heating from about 500.degree. C. to about 560.degree. C. at a rate of 10.degree. C. per hour, followed by holding at about 560.degree. C. for 30 minutes;(v) heating from about 560.degree. C. to about 1, 100.degree. C. at a rate of 100.degree. C. per hour, followed by holding at about 1,100.degree. C. for 4 hours; and(vi) cooling slowly to ambient temperature.