Abstract
Cu/ZrB₂ and CuCr1Zr/ZrB₂ composites were prepared by gas pressure infiltration technology. The ZrB₂ powder was used as reinforcement. No interfacial reaction took place for Cu, or CuCr1Zr matrix, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal stability of composites was very good, i.e. without any indication of possible disintegration. Composites exhibit high structural stability when subjected to 5 consecutive heating/cooling cycles to 800 °C. Maximums of relative elongations recorded for particular heating/cooling cycles slightly increased for Cu/ZrB₂ composite and slightly decreased for CuCr1Zr/ZrB₂ composite. However, the differences are negligible.

Key words
Cu-ZrB₂ composite materials, metal matrix, ceramic powder, gas pressure infiltration, thermal expansion

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