A method of preparing a cast composite material, said method comprising: (a) combining (i) a molten aluminum alloy comprising an additive capable of undergoing a peritectic reaction with boron (ii) between 4 and 40 v/v % of a source of boron carbide particles based on a total volume of the cast composite material so as to provide a molten composite material comprising products of the peritectic reaction between the additive and boron and dispersed boron carbide particles provided the molten aluminum alloy is free of titanium, wherein: • the additive is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, zirconium, strontium, scandium, and any combination thereof, the concentration of the additive being between 1.10% w/w and 8.00% w/w% with respect to the total weight of the cast composite material; • a sample of the composite material has a fluidity, after having been heated, prior to casting, to a temperature of 700°C for 120 minutes, corresponding to a cast length of at least 100 mm when measured using a mold having a groove for containing the sample, the groove having a width of 33 mm, a height of between 6.5 mm and 4.0 mm and being downwardly inclined, from an horizontal axis, of 10°; and (b) casting the molten composite during a casting time so as to form the cast composite material, wherein the casting time is at least 20 minutes. (a) combining (i) a molten aluminum alloy comprising an additive capable of undergoing a peritectic reaction with boron (ii) between 4 and 40 v/v % of a source of boron carbide particles based on a total volume of the cast composite material so as to provide a molten composite material comprising products of the peritectic reaction between the additive and boron and dispersed boron carbide particles provided the molten aluminum alloy is free of titanium, wherein: • the additive is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, zirconium, strontium, scandium, and any combination thereof, the concentration of the additive being between 1.10% w/w and 8.00% w/w% with respect to the total weight of the cast composite material; • a sample of the composite material has a fluidity, after having been heated, prior to casting, to a temperature of 700°C for 120 minutes, corresponding to a cast length of at least 100 mm when measured using a mold having a groove for containing the sample, the groove having a width of 33 mm, a height of between 6.5 mm and 4.0 mm and being downwardly inclined, from an horizontal axis, of 10°; and • the additive is selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, zirconium, strontium, scandium, and any combination thereof, the concentration of the additive being between 1.10% w/w and 8.00% w/w% with respect to the total weight of the cast composite material; • a sample of the composite material has a fluidity, after having been heated, prior to casting, to a temperature of 700°C for 120 minutes, corresponding to a cast length of at least 100 mm when measured using a mold having a groove for containing the sample, the groove having a width of 33 mm, a height of between 6.5 mm and 4.0 mm and being downwardly inclined, from an horizontal axis, of 10°; and (b) casting the molten composite during a casting time so as to form the cast composite material, wherein the casting time is at least 20 minutes. <EOS>