Effect of TiC particle size on the microstructure and tensile properties of TiC p /Ti6Al4V composites fabricated by laser melting deposition

•Coated powders and mixed powders are used to fabricate TiCp/Ti6Al4V by LMD.•In-situ eutectic TiC reinforced phases are synthesized during LMD.•Adding ultrafine TiC particles improves tensile properties of composites.•Premature damage of larger unmelted TiC particles decreases tensile properties of composites with mixed powders.•Fracture mechanism of composites with different TiC particles size is different.