The influence of mechanical activation of powder mixtures of Si and C, via high energy attrition milling (up to 12 h), on combustion synthesis of Sic was experimentally investigated. beta-SiC fine powder was successfully fabricated in 1.0 MPa N-2 atmosphere without other additional treatments, such as preheating, electric action. or chemical activation. Relatively weak peaks of alpha-SiC, alpha-Si3N4 and Si2ON2 were also found in the final products. The experimental results and their theoretical treatment showed that mechanical activation via high energy ball-milling provides to the initial Si/C powder mixture extra energy, which is needed to increase the reactivity of powder mixture and to make possible the ignition and the sustaining of combustion reaction to form SiC. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.