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In this paper, 50 vol% (TiC + TiB 2)/Al composites with different alloy elements (Mg, Zn) were prepared by combustion synthesis and hot-pressing method. The effects of Mg and Zn on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. TiC and TiB 2 particles in the composite were refined by the addition of Mg to a certain extent because of the decrease in the temperature of the reaction system caused by the high vapor pressure of Mg. Besides, the compressive strength of the composite with Mg was significantly improved, in which the solid solution strengthening of Mg atom and the interface strengthening by reducing the mismatch between α-Al and TiC/TiB 2 contributed to this improvement. Compared with Mg, the refining effect of Zn on ceramic particles was not obvious and only the yield strength was increased by the solid solution strengthening. • The TiB 2 and TiC ceramic particles can be refined by adding Mg to the reaction system. • Mg can increase the interfacial bond by reducing the mismatch between α-Al and TiB 2 /TiC. • The compressive strength of the 50 vol% (TiC + TiB 2)/Al is greatly improved by Mg. • Mg and Zn reduced the reaction temperature and promoted the reaction of Al–Ti–B 4 C system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]