Fabrication, microstructure and mechanical behavior of SiCw-B4C-Si composite

► SiC whiskers (SiCw) was prepared. ► SiCw-B4C-Si composites were fabricated by ball milling and reactive hot press sintering process. ► The addition of SiCw and Si reinforced the composite in fracture toughness and flexural strength. ► The hardness was decreased with the addition of SiCw and Si. ► The Si additive improved the relative density of B4C.