In situ growth of tantalum carbide (TaC) whiskers was synthesized in an alpha-Al2O3 matrix powder via a carbothermal reduction technique within a temperature range of 1350-1500 degrees C in an argon atmosphere. The starting materials consisted of Ta2O5, C, Ni and NaCl powders. Different mixing methods and various reaction temperatures were employed. Most of the prepared whiskers were 0.2-0.5 mu m in diameter and 5-15 mu m in length. The reaction temperature of 1400-1450 degrees C was suitable for the growth of TaC whiskers and a wet mixing method was beneficial to increase the whisker yield. Some of the whiskers exhibited the needle shape while others exhibited the screw shape. The growth mechanism of the whiskers was a complex mechanism involving a helical screw dislocation mechanism and a vapor-liquid-solid process. No obvious influences of the Al2O3 matrix powder on the growth of TaC whiskers were found and the major impurities in the obtained powder were TaC particles, nickel and unreacted carbon. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.