In situ TiB2, particulate locally reinforced steel matrix composites were successfully fabricated by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions in a Fe-Ti-B system containing 10, 30, 50 and 70 wt.% Fe, respectively, in the molten high chromium alloy steel during casting. The locally reinforced regions of the Fe-TiB2 composites with different Fe contents in the Fe-Ti-B system consist of three different regions, i.e. the Fe-rich region, the fine TiB2, particulate region and the larger TiB2 particulate region. The portion of the Fe-rich region decreased and the larger TiB2 particulate region became unclear with the increase in Fe content in the Fe-Ti-B system. In addition, only a small amount of micropores is found in the fine TiB2 particulate region of the Fe-TiB2, composite synthesized in a 70Fe-Ti-B system, and the Fe content has obvious effect on the wear resistance of the locally reinforced region of the Fe-TiB2, composites. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.