beta-Si3N4 whiskers with diameter of 0.5-2 mu m and aspect ratio of 10-15 have been successfully prepared by combustion synthesis under 30-50 atm nitrogen pressure. The addition of MgSiN2 powder plays a significant role in the growth of beta-Si3N4 whiskers. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.