US 7,588,179 B2
	Bonding of carbon fibers to metal inserts for use in composites
Allen H. Simpson, Buchanan, Mich. (US); Mark L. La Forest, Granger, Ind. (US); Alexander Mukasyan, Granger, Ind. (US); and Douglas J. Steinke, South Bend, Ind. (US)
Assigned to Honeywell International Inc., Morris Township, N.J. (US)
Filed on Mar. 30, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/730,373.
Prior Publication US 2008/0283174 A1, Nov. 20, 2008
Int. Cl. B23K 31/02 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 228—234.3

11 Claims

1. Providing a metal insert in contact with particulate carbide-forming metal and with carbon fiber segments, and passing an electric current through the carbide-forming metal particles and carbon fibers to heat them to a temperature above the melting point of the carbide-forming metal and thereby initiate an exothermic reaction forming liquid phase metal carbide, and subsequently cooling and solidifying the liquid phase metal carbide, thereby bonding the carbon fiber segments to the metal insert.