self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

materials processing

Also known as: SHS, high-temperature synthesis

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July 13, 2026

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Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is a method used in materials processing where highly reactive metal particles ignite and react with substances like boron, carbon, or nitrogen. These reactions are exothermic, meaning they produce significant heat, causing the reaction front to spread rapidly through the precursor powders. This process is a form of high-temperature synthesis, a technique used to create advanced ceramics. The ultimate particle size in SHS can be controlled by the initial size of the precursor materials.12

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advanced ceramics
High-temperature synthesis
In a reaction known as self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), highly reactive metal particles ignite in contact with boron, carbon, nitrogen, and silica to form boride, carbide, nitride, and silicide ceramics. Since the reactions are extremely exothermic (heat-producing), the reaction fronts propagate rapidly through the precursor powders. Usually, the ultimate particle…
Read More
In a reaction known as self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), highly reactive metal particles ignite in contact with boron, carbon, nitrogen, and silica to form boride, carbide, nitride, and silicide ceramics. Since the reactions are extremely exothermic (heat-producing), the reaction fronts propagate rapidly through the precursor powders. Usually, the ultimate particle…
Read More