A porous Fe/TiB2 composite layer was synthesized on an Fe substrate by a powder metallurgy process using combustion reactions among Fe, Ti, and B to achieve Fe/resin joints through interpenetrating phase layers. The effects of Fe particle size and the blending ratio of the raw powder mixture on the porous structure, roughness of the top surface of the porous layer, and adhesiveness between the porous layer and Fe substrate were investigated. The peak temperature measured with a thermocouple increased with increasing Fe particle size and blending ratio of Ti and B. An increase in the peak temperature does not affect the porosity of the porous layer. Higher peak temperatures increase the pore size and change the pore morphology from open to semi-closed (although pores are not completely isolated). The change in pore morphology prevents the exposure of pores on the top surface of the porous layer, resulting in decreasing surface roughness. Moreover, an increase in the maximum temperature promotes bonding between the Fe substrate and porous layer. These results are discussed in view of the thermodynamic assessment using the calculated equilibrium phase diagram. (C) 2019 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.