In this study, in situ 50 vol.-% TiC x /2014Al composites with different C/Ti molar ratios (0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1) were successfully produced by the method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation. The microstructure and the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Microstructure characterisation of the TiC x /2014Al composites showed relatively uniform distribution of the TiC x particles with the particle size in the range of 200-900 nm. With the increase of the C/Ti molar ratio, the yield strength (σ 0.2 ) and the ultimate compression strength (σ UCS ) increased first then decreased, and the fracture strain (ε f ) increased. The σ 0.2 , σ UCS and the abrasive wear resistance of the 50 vol.-% TiC x /2014Al composites reached the highest value when the value of the C/Ti molar ratio comes to 0.8. The σ 0.2 , σ UCS and ε f of the 50 vol.-% TiC x /2014Al composites with the C/Ti molar ratio of 0.8 are 1094 MPa, 1454 and 6.13%, respectively.