TiC–WC composites have been obtained in situ by self-propagating high-temperature
synthesis (SHS) from a mixture of compacted powders of elemental titanium, tungsten and
graphite. The Rietveld method has proved to be a useful tool to quantify the different phases
in the reaction and calculate the cell parameters of the solid solution found in the products.
The reaction has also been followed in real time by X-ray diffraction at the European
Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF ID-11 Materials Science Beamline). The mechanism of …

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and processes based on SHS are
currently being developed the world over for the production of powders and near-net shape
components of advanced materials. The research activities that have been and are being
carried out in this field are reviewed here. Theoretical principles underlying SHS process,
such as equlibrium computation and kinetics involving heat and mass transfer are
described. General concepts about the SHS reaction mechanisms with a few illustrative …