The synthesis of an intermetallic compound from a powder mixture of Ni + Al + Al2O3 with an inner metal plate oriented in the direction of combustion wave propagation has been studied by experiments and theoretical calculations as applied to the problem of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of functionally graded materials. Copper, titanium, and steel plates are considered. The propagation of the exothermic reaction front is analyzed for various thermophysical characteristics of the inner metal layer. In samples with a copper plate, the combustion front near the contact boundary is extended in the direction of the combustion wave. An increase in the average burning rate of the sample with the heat recovery effect is observed when using copper plates 1–3 mm thick. During combustion of samples with titanium and steel plates, there is a deceleration of combustion wave propagation along the contact boundary.