Glasses in the B-Al-Ca-O-(N) system have been prepared by self-propagating high-temperature combustion synthesis (SHS) directly from mixed powders of B, Al and CaO under pressurized dry-air of 3 MPa. The nitrogen content of the SHS product is 0.63 mass%, the value of which is about 30 times higher than that of conventional molten glass fabricated in air. Their initial reactants, B and Al when ignited, transform instantaneously into oxides, nitrides and oxynitride with a high exothermic heat of reaction. Sequentially the reacted products in a liquid state solidify into a glass material by rapid cooling. The glass forming region is similar to that of the same oxide glass system prepared by the conventional melting method. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.