Patent ID: 6099664
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: C22C

Abstract:
A method of making an alloy comprising hard particles comprising titanium boride dispersed in a predominantly metal matrix, the method comprising firing a body of loose particulate reaction mixture comprising titanium, metal matrix material and a source of boron, said reaction mixture not having been compressed to an extent to produce any substantial degree of cohesion, wherein said firing is accomplished by applying heat to only a portion of the body of loose particulate reaction mixture so as to initiate an exothermic reaction, under conditions such that(I) the titanium and boron react exothermically to form a dispersion of fine particles comprising titanium boride in a predominantly metal matrix;(ii) the titanium is present in the reaction mixture as an alloy of matrix metal and titanium; and(iii) the body of the loose particulate reaction mixture is at a temperature less than 600.degree. C. immediately prior to performing said firing step.