Abstract Synthesis of ternary carbides can be influenced by introduction of additives, which facilitate formation of desired phase and suppress formation of undesired one. In the present study, we investigated the effect of aluminium addition on phase composition and microstructure of Ti3SiC2, a typical representative of MAX phases, synthesized from elemental powders using combustion synthesis method. It was found that addition of small amount of aluminium could increase yield of Ti3SiC2 and decrease TiC formation. Although no profound effect on mean microstructure of Ti3SiC2 was found with addition of aluminium, formation of nanoparticles with layered structure typical to MAX phases was observed in specimens, which were synthesized with addition of aluminium.