The use of an electric field as a processing parameter in the combustion synthesis of ceramics and composites

Abstract

The imposition of an electric field is shown to activate self-propagating combustion reactions and thus makes possible the synthesis of a variety of ceramic and composite phases. Experimental observations and modeling studies indicated that activation is accomplished by the localized effect of the current. The relationship between wave propagation and the direction of the applied field was investigated. The synthesis of composites by field-activated combustion synthesis (FACS) was demonstrated. It was shown that the imposition of a field during the combustion synthesis of MoSi2 results in a decrease in the product particle size. The results suggest that the field can be used as a processing parameter in self-propagating combustion synthesis.