Preface

The field of materials science is a very dynamic one. Old and new applications ranging from household appliances over industry to space exploration – all of them are in constant demand for new, advanced materials.

Combustion Synthesis is a technology that can be used to produce speciality materials with unique properties, particularly metals and ceramics. These two material classes can be used for workpieces that have to withstand extreme conditions –high mechanical loads and/or extreme temperatures, to name but the most important ones.

In this Bentham eBook, 15 chapters on various techniques for combustion synthesis are compiled. They were written by leading experts from industry and the forefront of academic research. There is a balance between fundamentals and applied knowledge, both covering established techniques and new processes that yet need to be scaled-up for more widespread use.

The format of an eBook was chosen to enable fast dissemination of new research, and to give easy access to readers. The chapters can be studied individually.

The editor trusts that this book contains a wealth of useful information for the material specialist and anyone who is interested in unconventional synthesis methods of metallic and ceramic materials, and high temperature reactions and processes in general.