Single-phase TiC was rapidly synthesized by self-propagation high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction of TiH2-C powder blends without preliminary dehydrogenation. TiH2 resulted in lower ignition temperature, finer TiC particles and lower impurity contents than Ti. In addition, the mechanical properties of bulk TiC material made from TiH2-C were significantly improved. These were closely related to dehydrogenation of TiH2 during the ignition of SHS. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.