Al-Cu matrix composite materials with 5-20 wt. proportions of SiC hard particles and unreinforced Al-Cu alloys obtained by powder metallurgy (P/M), in the same homogenization (20 r.p.m., about 7 hours)- pressing (450 MPa for composites) - presintering (300-420 degrees C/30 min/H(2)) conditions but at different sintering temperatures (520-620 degrees C/60min/H(2), furnace cooling) were analyzed in terms of microstructural and physical characteristics.