Inverse shape replication method of making ceramic composite articles and articles obtained thereby

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method of producing a self-supporting ceramic composite body having therein at least one cavity which inversely replicates the geometry of a positive mold of parent metal, includes embedding the mold of parent metal within a conformable bed of filler to provide therein a cavity shaped and filled by the mold. The assembly is heated to melt the parent metal mold, e.g. an aluminum parent metal mold and, contacted with an oxidant to oxidize the molten parent metal to form a polycrystalline material which grows through the surrounding of filler, the molten metal being drawn through the growing polycrystalline material to be oxidized at the interface between the oxidant and previously formed …