Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS): current status and future prospects. Final report

Technical Report · Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:5039759

Corbin, N D; McCauley, J W

Conventional ceramic processing normally consists of two stages: first, a powder having the desired physical and chemical characteristics is prepared, then it is heated to promote interparticle bonding (sintering) and densification. This generally requires high temperature (1200-2000 /sup 0/C) and controlled atmospheres (vacuum - high pressure). Often the sintering stage may require up to several days to carry out. An alternative method termed self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is described in this review. The process utilizes the heat generated by an exothermic reaction between precursor components to densify the resulting reaction products. The heat generated by these reactions is capable of producing temperatures in excess of 2500/sup 0/C. Since the heat is self-generated, high-temperature furnaces are not required. Processing times are on the order of seconds/minutes rather than hours/days as in conventional processes. In addition to these attributes, products produced by SHS seem to be of higher purity than the starting materials since the high temperatures vaporize the volatile contaminants. Further, intractable borides and carbides can be produced by this technique.

• Research Organization: Army Materials Research Agency, Watertown, MA (USA). Materials Technology Lab.
• OSTI ID: 5039759
• Report Number(s): AD-A-169588/1/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BORIDES
FABRICATION
CARBIDES
CERAMICS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES
HIGH PRESSURE
HIGH TEMPERATURE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SINTERING
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE
VOLATILITY
ATMOSPHERES
BORON COMPOUNDS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
360201* - Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories- Preparation & Fabrication