AlMgB14-TiB2 composites were prepared using the field-assisted diffusion bonding sintering process (FDB) at 1400 degrees C under a pressure of 50 MPa for 8 min, and then bonded to Nb and Mo plates. The microstructure of the bonded joints was analyzed using SEM, EDS and XRD techniques, allowing for the phase composition and elemental distribution characteristics of the joint interface to be studied. The shear strength and wear properties were also investigated. The results show that AlMgB14-30 wt.% TiB2 composites can be strongly bonded to Nb and Mo metals, forming dense uniform diffusion layers, with an average width above 200 mu m. The shear strength of the Nb joints is higher than that of the Mo joints. The results from XRD analysis indicate that the main phase of the fractures of the AlMgB14-TiB2 + Nb and the AlMgB14-TiB2 + Mo is MoB4 and NbB2, respectively. The wear test results show that AlMgB14 decomposes into AlMg2O4 and Al2O3 at 600 degrees C, which can influence the friction and wear properties of AlMgB14-TiB2 composites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.