High chromium white iron (HCWI) composites reinforced with in situ formed TiCx have been prepared by powder metallurgy. Processing conditions for the preparation of dense composites have been investigated. The influence of TiCx content on the mechanical properties and wear resistance of composites has been studied. Compared to the unreinforced HCWI material, the TiCx/HCWI composites demonstrated a remarkable improvement in mechanical properties and abrasive wear resistance. A strength of 310 MPa and a fracture toughness of 10.19 MPa m(1/2), nearly eight times those of unreinforced HCWI, and a wear resistance of 315.1 cm(-3), seven times that of unreinforced HCWI, were achieved in the 17.2 wt%TiCx/HCWI composite. Strengthening and wear mechanisms have been discussed. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.