In various embodiments, composite materials containing a metal matrix having at least one metal and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative metal matrices include, for example, aluminum, magnesium, copper, cobalt, nickel, zirconium, silver, gold, titanium and various mixtures thereof. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The metal matrix can include at least one additive that increases compatibility of the metal matrix with the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the metal matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the metal matrix.
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