The interfacial reaction mechanism in B4C/6061Al composites, fabricated by the powder metallurgy technique at 560 and 620 degrees C with various holding times, was subjected to detailed investigations using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and hardness tests. Results showed that complicated interfacial reactions occurred in the B4C/6061Al composites, forming Al3BC, MgAl2O4, MgB7, Mg0.78Al0.75B14, AlB12C2 and Al4SiC4 as the main products, which clearly deteriorated the age-hardening ability of the composites. The interfacial reactions involving Mg and Si could be divided into two series. The oxidation of Mg occurred at both 560 and 620 degrees C, whereas other reactions only occurred at 620 degrees C. The existence of the liquid phase at 620 degrees C activated the reaction between Al and B4C, leading to the generation of free B, and subsequent reactions involving B and Mg occurred. After the reactions involving B and Mg was completed, the reaction involving Al, Si and C took place. It was determined that the reactions involving B and Mg rather than the oxidation of Mg or the reaction involving Si were the main reasons for the consumption of Mg and the deterioration of age-hardening ability of the B4C/6061Al composites at 620 degrees C. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.