Multiple self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and solid-phase reactions in thin films

A variety of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in thin films has been found and investigated. This modification, called multiple self-propag ating high-temperature synthesis, occurs in the solid phase and is a revers ible phase transition. Multiple self-propagating high-temperature synthesis is similar in many respects to a metal-insulator phase transition. It is s hown that for eutectic systems it is equivalent to a repeated transition th rough the eutectic temperature of bulk samples. It is inferred that multipl e self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in bilayer films is governed by phase separation mechanisms that take place during eutectic solidificati on and eutectoid decomposition. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1 063-7761(99)01705-9].