A combustion synthesis technique for the fabrication of Al2O3-SiCw in situ composite using a rapid heating scheme of the samples is described. Reduction of SiO2 has been found to proceed through an aluminothermic route. XRD analysis of the products shows that at lower temperatures silicon carbide is present in the form of beta-SiC whiskers. Soaking time at the processing temperatures affect the proportion and size of whiskers. It appears to be possible to fabricate near net shape composite through this technique.