Fabrication of (TixZr1−x)B2-(ZrxTi1−x)N composites by reactive spark plasma sintering of ZrB2-TiN

•ZrB2 and TiN starting materials with equimolar ratio were sintered at 2000 °C through SPS method.•An expansion (about 4%) was observed during the sintering process of ZrB2 and TiN.•Rietveld refinement analysis showed that 36.6 wt% (Ti0.91Zr0.09)B2 and 63.4 wt% (Zr0.92Ti0.08)N phases were formed.•ü High values of Vickers microhardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness were achieved for this composite. In this study, microstructural and mechanical properties of (ZrxTi1−x)N-(TixZr1−x)B2 composite fabricated by reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS) of ZrB2 and TiN was investigated. ZrB2 and TiN starting materials with equimolar ratio were sintered at 2000 °C for 8 min under a pressure of 30 MPa. An expansion (about 4%) was observed during the sintering process of the composite in the temperature range between 1290 °C and 1625 °C, which was attributed to the reaction of the starting materials. XRD pattern of the fabricated composite revealed the formation of TiB2 and ZrN phases after the sintering process. It was found that (Ti0.91Zr0.09)B2 and (Zr0.92Ti0.08)N phases are formed after sintering. High values of Vickers microhardness (28 ± 0.2 GPa), flexural strength (706 ± 51 MPa) and fracture toughness (8.49 ± 0.92 MPa m1/2) were achieved for this composite. Fracture of the (ZrxTi1−x)N and (TixZr1−x)B2 phases and crack path deflection mechanisms was founded as dominant toughening mechanisms in this composite.