Two-Level Models of Composite Synthesis: History and Potential

There are various methods for the synthesis of composites from mixtures of metal powders forming intermetallic phases and from mixtures of metal and non-metal powders (e.g., carbon or boron). In the 1970s, an approach was proposed to describe combustion and explosion processes with the identification of reactive cells, which from a modern standpoint can be classified as two-level synthesis models. This approach has been actively developed for binary systems, but remained rather conditional. This paper presents an overview of similar models and discusses their development by taking into account accompanying processes (not only diffusion, but also the evolution of the stress–strain state) and modifications for synthesis driven by a laser or electron beam.