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Here, we report for the first time, a novel CrB/Cu(Al) composite is successfully fabricated by hot-pressed sintering of Cu and MAB phase Cr2AlB2 powders, which was prepared by a two-step molten salt method. The microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composites were also investigated. Results show that homogeneous and compact composites composed of CrB and Cu (Al) solid solution are obtained, and the grain size of Cu matrix dramatically decreases from 56.41 to ~ 3 μm when Cr2AlB2 was added into Cu matrix. In addition, an alternate structure and good interfacial bonding between ceramic and Cu matrix are observed, which are beneficial for ceramic particles to bear loads and result in high mechanical strength. The Vickers hardness of Cu–20Cr2AlB2 composite is around 140 HV1.0 with electrical conductivity of 20.69% IACS. The tensile and yield strength of the composite are as high as 393.56–289.65 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]