Inventors:
Gilbert J. London - Wrightstown PA
William E. Frazier - Philadelphia PA
John G. Williams - Dollar Bay MI
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC
International Classification:
B22F 700
C22C 2900
Abstract:
A polymer-reinforced metal matrix composite is disclosed which is formed by lending metal particles and polymer particles to form a homogeneous powder blend, and consolidating the powder blend to form a unitary mass. The unitary mass is then plastically deformed such as by extrusion in the presence of heat so as to cause an elongation thereof, whereby the metal particles form a matrix and the polymer particles form elongated filaments uniformly dispersed throughout the matrix and aligned in the direction of elongation of the unitary mass. An aluminum matrix reinforced with polyether-etherketone is shown to have enhanced specific strength and modulus over those of the aluminum alone.