Patent ID: 6598656
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B22D,C04B,C22C

Abstract:
A method for producing a ceramic/metal composite, said method comprises reacting:(a) a fluid formed from melting a metal alloy comprising at least one reactive metal and at least one non-reactive metal, said metal alloy having a melting temperature below about 1500Â° C.; and (b) a rigid, porous material comprising an initial ceramic phase having a volume, said initial ceramic phase comprising a displaceable metal adapted to be at least partially displaced by said at least one reactive metal, for a sufficient time at a temperature below about 1500Â° C. such that said fluid infiltrates said rigid, porous material and said at least one reactive metal reacts with said rigid, porous material so as to displace said displaceable metal, thereby forming said ceramic/metal composite, said ceramic/metal composite comprising a final ceramic phase having a volume and a metal phase comprising said displaceable metal, wherein said volume of said final ceramic phase is grater than or equal to said volume of said initial ceramic phase, and wherein said ceramic/metal composite has a melting temperature substantially higher than 1500Â° C.