Method for forming macrocomposite bodies and macrocomposite bodies produced thereby

The present invention relates to the formation of a macrocomposite body by spontaneously infiltrating a permeable mass of filler material or a preform (4) with molten matrix metal (2) and bonding the spontaneously infiltrated material to at least one second material such as a ceramic or ceramic containing body and/or a metal or metal containing body. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer and/or infiltration enhancer precursor and/or infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform (4), at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal (2) to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform (4). Moreover, prior to infiltration, the filler material or preform (4) is placed into contact with at least a portion of a second material such that after infiltration of the filler material or preform (4), the infiltrated material is bonded to the second material, thereby forming a macrocomposite body.