AbstractThe degree of reaction and dispersion achieved when TiB2powders are melted in contact with liquid iron based alloys has been assessed via a levitation dispersion test which had been developed earlier. Both Fe2B and TiC were observed to form as a result of dissolution and reaction of TiB2. The formation of TiC occurs during the reaction of commercial grade TiB2with liquid iron alloys containing as little as 0·08 wt-%C. The reaction of high purity TiB2with liquid iron alloys containing 0·24 wt-%C does not however lead to TiC formation. The formation of Fe2B was observed for all conditions tested, owing to the effectively zero solubility of boron in solid iron. The TiB2remaining after dissolution and reaction was found to produce relatively good dispersions in the iron matrix and therefore additions of TiB2to liquid iron alloys may provide a means of producing Fe–TiB2composite materials. However, the brittle properties of Fe2B will mean that, whereas such materials may be very hard, they are likely to lack toughness.MST/1477