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Al-Ti-C master alloys were fabricated by using aluminum melt reaction method with graphite powders (GPs) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as carbon source. The microstructure formation during the reaction process was analyzed. The α-Al grain refinement abilities of the master alloys were checked. The results demonstrate that the TiC particles form mainly through the reaction between the solid C (GPs or CNTs) and the solute Ti. Using CNTs as the carbon source can significantly enhance the recovery rate of carbon and promote the formation of Al-Ti-C master alloy with a well dispersed microstructure and high α-Al grain refining ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]