This introductory paper briefly presents the main characteristics of t
he combustion process known as self-propagating high temperature synth
esis, and summarizes the different papers which illustrate it in this
thematic issue. Three topics are more especially addressed: the mechan
ism of product formation, the advantageous features of the process to
fabricate non-oxide powders which require sintering aids, and its pote
ntial to fabricate dense materials under pressure.