Intermetallic composites of molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide were produced by combustion synthesis of the elemental powders. The combustion reaction was initiated near 700 degrees C and completed within a few seconds. The end product was a porous composite which was subsequently hot pressed to >97% theoretical density. The grains of the matrix were 8-14 mu m in size surrounded by SiC particulate reinforcement of 1-5 mu m. The mechanical properties of the composites improved with increasing SiC reinforcement. The hardness of the materials increased from 10.1 GPa to 12.7 GPa with the addition of 20vol% SiC reinforcement, while the strength increased from 195 MPa to 299 MPa. The fracture toughness also increased from 2.79 MPa m(1/2) to 4.08 MPa m(1/2) with 20 vol % SiC.