Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Materials Reinforced by Intermetallic Compounds and Alumina Whiskers
- Summary
- A process for making composite materials, namely reinforced A1-metal matrix composites based on either: (I) Al-W intermetallic phase and Al O ceramic whiskers, or (II) Al-Mo intermetallic 2 3phase and Al O ceramic whiskers. This process involves the oxidation of aluminum using 2 3tungsten oxide in powder form for product I, and that of aluminum and molybdenum oxide in powder form for product II. Product I contains an Al-W intermetallic phase, some sapphire whiskers, and a continuous Al-metal matrix. Product II contains an Al-Mo intermetallic phase, sapphire whiskers, and a continuous Al-Mo intermetallic phase, sapphire whiskers, and a continuous Al-metal matrix. The alumina whiskers are formed as a result of two reactions. They are: (i) the oxidation between the pre-mixed Al and the oxide, and (ii) the oxidation of Al with the atmospheric environment in the presence of the oxide, which acts as a catalytic agent for the reaction. These newly invented products are hard, strong and light. They are fabricated at above the melting point of aluminum, typically above 800°C. and preferably around 1000°C., and no sophisticated facility is required in the production process. Based on the above powder mixtures of I, or II, additional powders, for example, carbon (C), silicon dioxide (SO ) or other 2metal oxides, can be mixed to further improve the structural properties of the composites.
- Application No.
- 96/SCI/011 Inventor: Professor Dickon H L NG and Dr Cai-Dong QIN Department of Physics Patent Status: US Patent no. 5,972,523 US Patent no. 6,187,260
- Country/Region
- Hong Kong
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