Titanium-matrix composites containing up to 50 wt% TiC particles were prepared by combustion synthesis using elemental powders. The products were subsequently sintered at 1160degreesC for various periods of time. SEM and X-ray diffraction were used to assess the changes that took place during the two stages of processing. Products of combustion synthesis containing in excess of 25% TiC contained large cracks as well as agglomerates of carbide particles that were undesirable from the point of view of reinforcing the metal. The carbide obtained by combustion synthesis had a higher carbon content than that expected according to the Ti-C equilibrium phase diagram, due to the non-equilibrium nature of the reaction. During the sintering stage, the carbide of non-equilibrium composition reacted with titanium to yield the carbide of equilibrium composition. The composition changes were investigated and their significance on the sintering process is discussed. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.