The interfacial debond characteristics of sputtered Al2O3and Y2O3, coating were assessed in a γ‐TiAl/Nb composite. The preferred debond coating identified for this composite system was Y2O3, which also protected the ductile reinforcing phase from reaction with the matrix. Tension tests on a model laminate specimen were performed to characterize the toughening behavior and showed that interfacial debonding promoted extensive plastic deformation of the ductile phase over a large volume. The coatings were characterized to understand the debonding behavior. Comparison is made with other metal/oxide syst