The combustion synthesis of TiC, using the thermal explosion mode, was investigated by varying some of the process parameters including the reactant particle size, the precompaction pressure, and the heating rate. Based on these observations, a combustion model for the reaction was developed. When iron was added to titanium and carbon black powders, the ignition temperature was dictated by the eutectic temperature of the Fe-Ti system. Iron acted as a moderator for the reaction and led to a decrease in the combustion temperature.