Copper-based alloys and their use for infiltration of powder metal parts

Abstract

Described are wrought forms of copper alloys for infiltrating powder metal parts, the method for preparing the copper alloys and their wrought forms, the method for their infiltration into a powder metal part, and the infiltrated metal part infiltrated with the novel alloys having a generally uniform distribution of copper throughout and exhibiting high transverse rupture strength, tensile strength and yield strength. Infiltrated metal parts prepared by infiltrating powder metal parts with reduced amounts of the novel infiltrant typically weigh less and have superior strengths compared to similarly prepared infiltrated metal parts prepared with standard methods and conventional infiltration.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A material for infiltrating a powder metal part comprising a copper alloy having a homogeneous wrought form that can be adapted to conform to the surface of a powder metal part, wherein the alloy contains: a) at least about 85 weight % copper, b) about 0.5 to about 3.5 weight % iron, c) about 0.5 to about 5.5 weight % manganese, and d) about 0.5 to about 5.5 weight % zinc. 
     
     
         15 . The material of  claim 14 , wherein the copper alloy contains at least about 90 weight % copper. 
     
     
         16 . The material of  claim 14 , wherein the wrought form is selected from the group consisting of a disk, a ring, a sheet, a wafer, a wire segment, and a washer. 
     
     
         17 . The material of  claim 16 , wherein the form is a wire segment. 
     
     
         18 - 34 . (canceled)