A single step method of forming a composite of ductile niobium particles within a matrix of brittle niobium aluminum is taught. The method involves completely ablating the end of a rod of a niobium aluminum intermetallic with a laser beam to form a plume of vaporous and particulate material and depositing the ablated material on a receiving surface disposed proximate the rod end being ablated. A surface composite structure is formed in a single step and has ductile particles within a brittle matrix.