An extrudable and weldable matrix alloy composite comprising: a) a base material metal of about 50 to 99.9% by weight, b) boron carbide or silicon carbide of about 0.1 to 50% by weight, c) less than about 3.0% by weight of at least one metal having an intermetallic phase temperature lower than the melting point of the base material metal, and d) a reinforcement agent of up to about 5% by weight.