Bonding method

Abstract

Tank treads, brake linings, rifles stocks, and other devices requiring the bonding of metal to non-adherent materials such as elastomers, non-elastomers, polymers, adhesives and slurried materials, with a layer of metal foam interposed between the metal. and the non-adherent material.

1 . A method for bonding a first material and a second material together, said method comprising the steps of: 
 securing a foam material to the first material; and then applying the second material to the foam material;    wherein the first material is metal, the foam is metal foam, and the second material is selected from a group consisting of elastomers, non-elastomers, polymers, adhesives and slurried materials.    
     
     
         2 . A method for bonding a structural material to a non-adherent material, said method comprising the steps of: 
 attaching the structural material and a foam together; and then    pouring the non-adherent material, in liquefied form, over the foam and structural material, wherein the non-adherent material goes through a process of solidification;    wherein the structural material is metal, the foam is metal foam, and the non-adherent material is selected from a group consisting of elastomers, non-elastomers, polymers, adhesives and slurried materials.    
     
     
         3 . A method for bonding a first material and a second material together, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing foam;    attaching the first material to the foam;    providing the second material in liquefied form; and then adding the second material to the foam;    wherein the first material is metal, the foam is metal and the second material is selected from a group consisting of elastomers, non-elastomers, polymers, adhesives and slurried materials.    
     
     
         4 . A method of attaching a non-adherent material to a metal piece, said method comprising the steps of: 
 attaching metal foam to the metal piece;    placing the metal foam and the metal piece into a mold; and then    pouring the non-adherent material in liquefied form into the mold; and    allowing the non-adherent material to solidify whereby at least a portion of the non-adherent material intermingles with the metal foam thus securing the non-adherent material to the metal foam;    wherein the non-adherent material is selected from a group consisting of elastomers, non-elastomers, polymers, adhesives and slurried materials.