Combustion synthesis method for synthesis of aluminum nitride powder usingaluminum containers

A combustion synthesis method was developed for synthesis of AlN powder. Al powder and small amounts of NH4Cl were thoroughly mixed and placed in low- melting-point containers made of a thin, perforated aluminum sheet. The com bustion reaction was ignited by heating the top surface of the powder stack , and the aluminum container was converted completely to AlN during tile co mbustion reaction. High product yields were obtained under N-2 pressures of 0.2-0.5 MPa. The product was composed of a dense outer portion and a loose inner portion. Effects of several process parameters on the product yield were investigated and discussed.