The self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of sinterable powders

Abstract
The present overview focuses on self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of powders for the standard processing of ceramics by sintering or hot-pressing. An impact of SHS on ceramic materials technology depends largely on its capability to produce powders that have a densification behaviour comparable to or better than the conventionally produced ones. The paper points to the fact that substitution of the conventional powders by the SHS-derived ones results in higher density and more homogeneous microstructure, at least with nitride and carbide powders that are notorious for their bad sinterability. The first part of the paper deals with the general features of SHS. The specific mechanism of SHS reactions is the object of the second part of the paper. Part three of the paper presents the sintering characteristics of powders produced by SHS in the Si-C-B, Si-N, Si-Al-O-N, and Ti-C-Si systems.