This invention relates generally to a novel directed metal oxidation process which is utilized to produce self-supporting bodies. In some of the more specific aspects of the invention, a parent metal (e.g., a parent metal vapor) is induced to react with at least one solid oxidant-containing material to result in the directed growth of a reaction product which is formed from a reaction between the parent metal (46) and the solid oxidant-containing material (47). The inventive process can be utilized to form bodies having substantially homogeneous compositons, graded compositions, and macrocomposite bodies.