Ionization in a combustion wave

The reaction mechanism and kinetics of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in a Ti$_5$Si$_3$ system are experimentally studied. The Langmuir probe and optical spectroscopy are used to determine the composition and degree of ionization of the gas phase formed due to the combustion-induced degassing of impurities. The propagation of the combustion wave is shown to be accompanied by ionization of released gases, both the ion concentrations and electron temperatures being determined. Through a comparison between the data obtained and spectroscopic data, the ion species are identified.