Use of two-color array pyrometry for characterization of combustion synthesis waves

A two-color array pyrometer was used to investigate morphological developme nts on the surface of materials undergoing self-propagating high-temperatur e reactions. Time sequences of temperature spatial profiles during wave pro pagation were found to be complex in their nature and dynamics. They contai n features that are interpreted in terms of morphological changes during th e process. These features include formation of cracks or voids, expansion o f the sample, and formation of droplets of metals on the surface. The use o f the array pyrometer for determination of the activation energy of the com bustion reaction between Zr and NiO is reported.