In the present work, the structure and composition of the surface layer formed during self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of porous ternary carbide Ti 3 SiC 2 from the initial mixture of powders 3Ti+1.15Si+2C in the surrounding gas atmosphere of different compositions were investigated. Using X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis, it was shown that a porous composite material, consisting of the main phases Ti 3 SiC 2 and TiC, is synthesized under these conditions. During the synthesis in atmospheres of air and nitrogen, a film of 2-3 microns thickness consisting of TiO 2 and TiN is formed on the surface of the porous material. During the SHS process in an inert argon atmosphere and in vacuum, this film is not formed. In nitrogen atmosphere, conglomerates of TiN particles are formed on the film as well.