Interface structure and wetting behavior in the B4C/(Me-Ti) (M = Cu, Sn, Au) systems depend on boron solubility in the melt and new phase formation at the interface. Wetting in the B4C/(Cu-Ti) system may be attributed to direct contact between TiB2, formed at the interface, and the melt. The equilibrium wetting angle in the B(4)CASn-Ti) and B4C/(Au-Ti), reflects probably the formation of a TiCx layer with a carbon content determined by the activity of titanium in the melt. (C) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.