Abstract: The proposed invention is used for the manufacture from the obtained composite of cutting tools, hard alloy tooling, dies and other products. A method according to the invention involves preparing a mixture, compacting it, placing the mixture into a synthesis zone, igniting the mixture, with subsequent reaction of components of the mixture under combustion conditions. Then cure is carried out during a period ranging from about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 hours, and the hot combustion products are compacted under pressure at an average pressure rise rate ranging from about 10 to about 2000 kgf/cm.sup.2.s, with subsequent cure of the compacted product under isobaric conditions to complete homogenization of the composite, with subsequent cooling thereof to obtain an end composite.

Abstract: A process for preparing titanium carbide in accordance with the present invention comprises ignition of a mixture consisting of 80-88% by weight of a powder of commercial titanium and 20-12% by weight of finely divided carbon followed by an exothermal reaction of said mixture under the conditions of layer-by-layer combustion with the formation of gaseous by-products; the process is conducted in a porous casing which prevents the mixture from scattering in the course of its intensive cooling, and removing the gaseous products therethrough.The process according to the present invention makes it posible to produce titanium carbide with a content of combined carbon approaching the stoichiometric value (19.5-19.8% by weight), the content of free carbon of 0.08% by weight and oxygen 0.1% by weight. The process according to the invention makes it also possible to use, as the starting materials, commercial products, i.e. products containing impurities.