By using experimental investigations and theoretical calculations, microstructural evolution and competitive reaction behavior of Ti-B 4 C system under solid-state sintering is confirmed. Firstly, B 4 C decomposes into B and C atoms followed by diffusing into Ti side immediately, and TiB whiskers form in Ti matrix. Then, Ti atoms diffuse into B 4 C via vacancies left by the diffused B and C atoms, leading TiB 2 and carbon substance to form in B 4 C side. Subsequently, reaction product carbon diffuses into Ti side and concentration of C in Ti side increases accordingly, resulting in the formation of TiC particles in Ti matrix. With further processing of reaction, both amount and size of products increases gradually. When TiB 2 phases grow into a monolithic layer, diffusion behavior between Ti and B 4 C is inhabited, carbon presents to be a loose layer between un-reacted B 4 C and TiB 2, and the in situ reaction also stops finally.