Abstract: Aluminum matrix composites were prepared using an in-situ reactive near-liquidus casting technique in two systems of Ti-C-Al and Ti-C-Al-CuO. Their microstructure was studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Thermodynamic analysis on the reaction in the two systems was carried out. The effect of CuO on the self-propagating reaction process of the Ti-C-Al system was discussed, and a kinetic model was set up. It is found that in the self-propagating reaction process of the Ti-C-Al system, the reaction between CuO and Al is able to enhance the adiabatic temperature of the system and provide the system with sustaining heat, making the self-propagating reaction more remarkable and more completed. As a result, blocky Al₃ Ti mesophase is extremely decreased, and the microstructure of the composites is optimized.