A layered ternary carbide phase, Ti3AlC2, was synthesized by hot pressing from the starting materials of Ti, aluminum, and activated carbon at 1400 degrees C for 2 h. Its composites were also fabricated through addition of micro-sized SiC and partially stabilized zirconia particulates to the pulverized Ti3AlC2 powders. The polycrystalline Ti3AlC2 ceramic obtained has a flexural strength of 172 MPa and a fracture toughness of 4.6 MPa.m(1/2), respectively. This compound is relatively soft (Vikers hardness of 2.7 GPa) and exhibits good electrical conductivity with an electrical resistivity of 8.2 mu Omega.m. Both the Ti3AlC2/SiC and Ti3AlC2/ZrO2 composites are superior to the monolithic Ti3AlC2 ceramic in strength, fracture toughness, and micro-hardness.