Composite materials comprising a hard ceramic phase and an infiltration alloy are disclosed. The hard ceramic phase may comprise a carbide such as tungsten carbide and/or cast carbide. The infiltration alloy is Cu-based and comprises Ni and Sn. The infiltration alloy may further include Nb, and may be substantially free of Mn. The composite material may be heat treated in order to improve its mechanical properties. For example, the composition of the Cu—Ni—Sn infiltration alloy may be selected such that its hardness, wear resistance, toughness and/or transverse rupture strength are improved after the composite material is solutioned and aged at elevated temperatures.