We report on the effect of an electric field on the self-propagating r
eaction between silicon and carbon to synthesize beta-SiC. In the abse
nce of a field at a threshold level, no self-sustaining reaction is ob
served, and as the applied voltage increases, a linear increase in the
velocity of the reaction wave is observed. This first demonstration o
f the effect of fields on such reactions is explained in terms of a mo
del in which the role of the field is confined to the reaction zone.