The reactivity behaviour between a MAX phase, Ti₂AlC, and ZrB₂ or WC is here explored with the aim of pinpoint novel opportunities for composites design by merging the benefits of the individual constituents and beyond. Spark plasma sintering at 1400°C limited the MAX phase decomposition in presence of WC and led to formation of mixed cermet and metal alloys. On the other hand, when ZrB₂ was added, notable microstructure re-assessment occurred with formation of nanosized cermets, including (Ti,Zr)C as hard phase and Al₃Zr as metal filler, coupled with TiB₂ nanorods.

Upon comparison with another MAX phase, Ti₃SiC₂, sintered with the same additives, this study aims at providing warnings about processing requirements and issues encountered when such classes of very different composites are merged in a single material, but also to emphasize some further indications about the potentialities: with regard to peculiar microstructural features formed in-situ during sintering, some ultra-refractory properties can be lost, but in return for enhanced ductility at intermediate temperatures.