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Fully dense ZrB 2 –TiC composites were produced by reactive pressureless sintering using ZrB 2 and TiC as the starting reactants. The effect of TiC content on microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB 2 –TiC composites was investigated. The densification and grain refinement were achieved due to the reaction and solid solution coupling effect. Besides, elongated (Ti, Zr)B 2 plate-like grains with a high aspect ratio were obtained for the first time by the reaction of ZrB 2 and TiC. The ZrB 2 -70 mol%TiC composite exhibited good comprehensive mechanical properties of high hardness of 29.0 GPa, flexural strength of 555 MPa, and fracture toughness of 5.4 MPa m1/2 due to grain-refinement and solid solution strengthening, and plate-like grains toughening effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]