Patent ID: 7562692
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: B22C,C22C,G21C,G21F,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a cast composite material, comprising the steps of: providing an aluminum-based matrix alloy; preparing a molten mixture of from about 10 to about 40 volume percent of free-flowing boron carbide particles and from about 90% to about 60 volume percent of a melt of said aluminum-based matrix alloy; stirring the molten mixture to wet the matrix alloy to the boron carbide particles and to distribute the particles throughout the volume of the melt; and casting the molten mixture to form a cast composite material; characterized by maintaining the fluidity of the molten mixture by providing at least 0.5% by weight but no more than 5% by weight of Ti in the aluminum-based matrix alloy and by limiting any Mg in the aluminum-based matrix alloy to below 0.2% by weight, at least until completion of said distribution of said particles throughout said volume of said melt.