| abstract |
A composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, reinforced with a fiber or whisker form of unmodified alumina. The material is produced by preheating a mould and a mat of unmodified alumina to a temperature in the range of 700° C. to 1050° C. Molten aluminum or its alloy free of elements which react with the alumina are introduced into the mould to cover the mat. A pressure of at least 75 Kg/cm 2 is applied to the contents of the mould to overcome the surface tension between the alumina and the molten mass of metal and to cause the molten mass to fully penetrate the alumina mat. Upon solidification of the molten aluminum, the composite material is obtained. |