The possibility of synthesizing Ti5Si3 from mixed elemental powders and the fabrication of its composites by explosive compaction is discussed. A new technique using underwater shock waves was developed and it was found to exercise better control over the influencing parameters. Two processes were employed viz., (1) direct shock-induced reaction and (2) explosive compaction followed by heat treatment. The methodology to produce bulk material by the above two processes are reported. Ti5Si3 intermetallic synthesized by the two processes reveals high hardness than commercially available Ti5Si3.