TiB/T-1 composite were produced by SHS (self propagating high temperature synthesis) under conditions of PHIP (pseudo-hot isostatic pressing). The synthesis conditions were optimized to produce highly dense materials conforming a high volume fraction of TIE. Self-propagating reaction of the Ti and B powders occurred above the alpha-to beta-Ti transformation temperature (1155 K). The composites consist of Ti matrices with dispersed TiB reaction products of 2-30 mu m size. Near fully dense composites with a TiB/Ti volume ratio of 33-44 vol.% were synthesized for B/Ti atomic ratios of 0.3-0.4 at pseudo isostatic pressures of 100 MPa. The Vickers hardness and fracture stress of the composites are 5.6-7.1 and 2.1-2.3 GPa, respectively, and the wear of the composite is approximately 7-9% of the Ti and Ti-6A1-4V. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.