In Situ Combustion Synthesis of Advanced Materials

The in situ synthesis of advanced materials is of considerable scientific and technological interest because it makes possible the formation of near net shape parts of ceramics, intermetallics, composites, and other low defect tolerant materials. These materials have shown a significant potential for future economic impact in diverse applications in military, electronics, aerospace, and automobile industries. Recent advances in in situ processing techniques by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) in single and multi-phase materials, with focus on nitrides, borides, carbides, and silicides have been investigated. Combustion synthesis or SHS has received considerable attention because of very short synthesis times, simplicity, energy efficiency, and versatility of combustion reactors. This paper discusses the mechanisms of synthesis of advanced materials developed by SHS, their microstructures and properties. [Materials used: TiAl]