Ti2AlC was fabricated by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique from a compacted powder mixture consisting of Ti:Al:C = 2:1:1 (molar ratio) of mortar mixing, planetary mixing and various packing densities. A thermocouple was placed directly into the green compact body in order to monitor the combustion temperature during the SHS process. When the green compact with planetary mixing treatment and a packing density of 17% as well as 60% was used, propagation of the reaction exothermicity could occur, and the starting compact completely changed to Ti2AlC. Formation mechanism of Ti2AlC using a SHS technique was discussed. In addition, the melting point of the resultant sample was determined to be 1570 degrees C. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.