AlN was produced from Al powder via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) at 8 and 12 MPa N-2 pressure. In the light of earlier studies, the discussion of the experimental results points out that AlN diluents, the endothermic nature of NH4F decomposition, and the reducing capability of carbon black are features that can be considered for controlling the combustion temperature as well as the temperature and the prolongation of the after-burning period, which are all determinants of the morphology of the produced AlN particles. The presence of iron as mineralizer resulted in a complex microstructure, probably reflecting a complicate reaction mechanism. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.