Self-Propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) or Combustion Synthesis is a method for the synthesis of solid materials characterized by high enthalphy of formation. Its underlying basis is the ability of highly exothermic reaction to self-sustain themselves in the form of a reaction (combustion) wave. The temperature of these combustion waves can be extremely high (as high as 3000 K) and the rate of wave propagation can be quite rapid (up to 25 cm/s). This process offers an opportunity to investigate reactions in presence of extreme thermal gradients (up to 105 K/cm) and extreme temperatures. They also offer an attractive, energy-efficient approach to the synthesis of simple and complex materials such as carbide, nitrides and oxides.
Our group has been engaged in the investigation on these processes for several years using different approaches, including both experimental and modeling studies. Particular attention has been given to the clarification of the conditions required for obtaining the ignition and propagation of self-propagating chemical processes and to the application of the method to the synthesis of a large variety of innovative materials.
Related publications:
S. Gennari, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, F. Maglia, and G. Spinolo, “Modeling the ignition of self-propagating combustion synthesis of transition metal aluminides.,” Intermetallics, 18 [12] 2385–2393 (2010).
S. Gennari, U.A. Tamburini, F. Maglia, G. Spinolo, and Z.A. Munir, “A new approach to the modeling of SHS reactions: Combustion synthesis of transition metal aluminides.,” Acta Mater., 54 [9] 2343–2351 (2006).
S. Gennari, F. Maglia, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, and G. Spinolo, “Combustion Modes and Reaction Paths of the Self-Sustained High-Temperature Synthesis of Intermetallic Compounds: A Computer Simulation Study of the Effect of Exothermicity.,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 108 [50] 19550–19556 (2004).
F. Maglia, C. Milanese, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, and Z.A. Munir, “Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis microalloying of MoSi2 with Nb and V.,” J. Mater. Res., 18 [8] 1842–1848 (2003).
F. Maglia, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, S. Gennari, and G. Spinolo, “Computer Simulation Approach to the Chemical Mechanisms of Self-Propagating High-Temperature Reactions: Effect of Phase Transitions on the Thermite Reaction between O2 Gas and Zr Powders.,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 106 [23] 6121–6128 (2002).
S. Doppiu, M. Monagheddu, G. Cocco, F. Maglia, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, and Z.A. Munir, “Mechanochemistry of the titanium-silicon system: compositional effects.,” J. Mater. Res., 16 [5] 1266–1279 (2001).
U. Anselmi-Tamburini, F. Maglia, G. Spinolo, S. Doppiu, M. Monagheddu, and G. Cocco, “Self-propagating reactions in the Ti-Si system: a SHS-MASHS comparative study.,” J. Mater. Synth. Process., 8 [5/6] 377–383 (2000).
M. Arimondi, U. Anselmi-Tamburini, A. Gobetti, Z.A. Munir, and G. Spinolo, “Chemical Mechanism of the Zr + O2 → ZrO2 Combustion Synthesis Reaction.,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 101 [41] 8059–8068 (1997).
U. Anselmi-Tamburini, G. Spinolo, G. Flor, and Z.A. Munir, “Combustion synthesis of Zr-Al intermetallic compounds.,” J. Alloys Compd., 247 [1-2] 190–194 (1997).
Z.A. Munir and U. Anselmi-Tamburini, “Self-propagating exothermic reactions: the synthesis of high-temperature materials by combustion.,” Mater. Sci. Rep., 3 [7-8] 277–365 (1989).