Self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) is one variety of combustion,
in which, as a result of a fast reaction, the valuable condensed products are formed. Although
the reactants in (SHS) may be in various states of solid, liquid or gas, the products after
cooling should be in solid state. Molybdenite concentrate from Sarchechme mines (South-east
of Iran) with the composition of mainly: 41.5% S, 2.8% Fe, 1.3% Cu and 47.7% Mo by
weight was used as a source of molybdenum. It was mixed with different concentration of
aluminum, pressed to a briquette of 25.4 mm. in diameter and ignited by use of a microwave
oven. Depending on the conditions, different modes of combustion of the briquettes were
observed. The product of the reaction was leached with dilute hydrocholoric acid, and was
tested for sulfur, aluminum and molybdenum. The respective effects of aluminum powder
size, pellet density and power input to the pellet before ignition on the final product were
investigated; in some samples the sulfur was reduced to less than 1%.