Ceramic-metal composites based on the Fe-TiC system can be synthesised by reduction of the mineral ilmenite (FeTiO3) with carbon in flowing argon or under vacuum in the temperature range 1100-1400 degreesC. The ratio of Fe:TiC can be controlled through adjustment of the reactant materials, as can the addition of alloying metals such as Co, Cr or Ni. Dense bodies formed by sintering Fe-TiC powders display a microstructure of uniformly dispersed TiC grains in a continuous metal matrix. The grain size of the TiC can be controlled between 1 and 20 mum by varying the heat treatment schedules. Hardness values of 14 GPa can be achieved through pressureless sintering of unalloyed Fe:3TiC bodies. Technologies have been developed for fabricating a range of compositions from 6 wt% to over 80 wt% TiC in iron alloy matrices, leading to broad suite of potential industrial applications as wear parts or cutting tools. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.