Inventors:
Terry D. Claar - Newark DE
William B. Johnson - Newark DE
Assignee:
Lanxide Technology Company, LP - Newark DE
International Classification:
C04B 3510
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to a novel method of preparing self-supporting bodies and to the novel products made thereby. In its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a method of producing self-supporting bodies having controlled porosity and graded properties and comprising one or more boron-containing compounds, e. g. , a boride or a boride and a carbide. The method comprises, in one embodiment, reacting a powdered parent metal, in molten form, with a bed or mass comprising a boron carbide material and, optionally, one or more inert fillers, to form the body. In another embodiment, both of a powdered parent metal and a body or pool of molten parent metal are induced to react with a bed or mass comprising a boron carbide material and, optionally, one or more inert fillers. in addition, combustible additives (e. g. , gelatin, corn starch, wax, etc.