Patent ID: 6796365
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: B22F,C04B,C22C,H01B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for making an aluminum matrix composite wire comprising a plurality of substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned fibers in a matrix comprising aluminum, the method comprising:providing a contained volume of molten matrix material; immersing a plurality of substantially continuous fibers into the contained volume of molten matrix material, wherein the fibers comprise, on a theoretical oxide basis, Al2O3 in a range of about 35 weight percent to about 75 weight percent, SiO2 in a range of greater than zero weight percent to less than about 50 weight percent, and B2O3 in a range of greater than about 5 weight percent, based on the total metal oxide content of the respective fiber; imparting ultrasonic energy to cause vibration of at least a portion of the contained volume of molten matrix material to permit at least a portion of the molten matrix material to infiltrate into and wet the plurality of fibers such that an infiltrated, wetted plurality of fibers is provided; and withdrawing the infiltrated, wetted plurality of fibers from the contained volume of molten matrix material under conditions which permit the molten matrix material to solidify to provide an aluminum matrix composite wire comprising a plurality of the fibers, wherein the fibers are substantially continuous, longitudinally positioned in a matrix including aluminum, and wherein the wire has a nonlinear coefficient of thermal expansion over a temperature of âˆ’75Â° C. to 500Â° C., a modulus of no greater than about 105 GPa, and an average tensile strength of at least about 350 MPa.