The effect of processing variables on reaction rate and ceramic microstructure are examined for the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis reaction 3TiO(2) + 4Al + 3C --> 3TiC + 2Al(2)O(3). Reaction controlling methods used are reactant particle size, the use of diluents (to lower the combustion temperature) and the use of reactant preheating (to increase the combustion temperature). The ceramic microstructure has an unusual laminar structure which is generally only observed during unstable combustion wave propagation.