The structure and properties of in situ Cu-Nb composites have been studied by the
methods of TEM and SEM, X-ray analysis and mechanical testing. The evolution of Nb filaments
structure at drawing and the effect of annealing and doping with Zr on the composites structure and
texture have been investigated. Sharp fibre texture with <110>Nb develops in the ribbon-shaped Nb
filaments, while the Cu matrix possesses a two-component fibre texture, <111>Cu and <100>Cu,
appreciably affected by annealing. Annealing results in softening due to Nb filaments coagulation.
In Zr doped composites two types of ZrO2 particles are observed, dispersed and coarse ones. The
former result in the dispersion strengthening, while the latter may cause embrittlement.