Reaction behaviour, microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC-TiB2/Ni composite fabricated by pressure assisted self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in air and vacuum

► Dense TiC-TiB2/Ni composite was successfully fabricated at lower ignition temperature in air. ► The composite possessed the comparable mechanical properties to those made in vacuum. ► The reaction behaviour significantly depended on the Ni content and reactant particle size.