PURPOSE: To economically and efficiently manufacture the fiber reinforced metal matrix composite having a certain shape by setting laminated prepreg sheets constituted of inorganic fibers and metals into a form, sealing it into a bag made of metallic foil under the reduced pressure and executing liquid phase diffusion joining.
CONSTITUTION: A bundle of continuous inorganic fibers is opened, is thinly expanded and is then pulled in order in one direction while tension is applied. The above fibrous bundle is formed from inorganic fibers having high strength and high elastic modulus such as SiC, BN or the like. The above fibers are thermal-sprayed with matrix metals to form a prepreg sheet. As the above metals, Al, Ti, Cu, Ni, their alloys, Fe base heat-resistant alloys or the like are used, and the thickness of the prepreg sheet is regulated to about 100 to 200μm. Next, required pieces of prepreg sheets are laminated and are set into a form. The form is sealed into a bag made of metallic foil under the reduced pressure. Next, the bag made of metallic foil is set into a hot pressing apparatus, and the prepreg sheets therein are subjected to liquid phase diffusion joining. In this way, the fiber reinforced metal matrix composite having a certain volume rate of fibers and shape can efficiently be obtd.
NAKAGAWA SHIGETO
OTANI TADASHI
TOKUSE MASAHIRO
