LaC2@CNC/LaB6 nanocomposites were prepared using a spark plasma sintering system, and their mechanical properties and the intensity of characteristic La X-rays from the composites were characterized for application as X-ray target material. Using LaB6 as a binder, we succeeded in producing LaC2@CNC/LaB6 nanocomposites with a bulk density (2.91 g/cm3) and specific electric resistance (3.12 × 10- 4 Ω cm) through solidification at 2123 K. The fracture bending strength of LaC2@CNC/LaB6 nanocomposites (224 MPa) was 1.5 times larger than that observed for graphite/LaB6 composites. The most emitted characteristic La Lα X-ray from LaC2@CNC/LaB6 nanocomposites was 7743 counts/mm2/s in comparison with 6372 counts/mm2/s for graphite/LaB6 composites. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.