Abstract: A process for preparing a composite of two or more continuous phases, one which is tantalum carbide or a mixture of tantalum carbide and carbon which comprises(1) impregnating a preform of graphite or a similar material in the form of a porous block or woven fiber form with a reactive carbon source such as petroleum pitch, a coal tar pitch, a thermal setting resin, or a sugar;(2) pyrolyzing the reactive carbon source to form carbon;(3) impregnating the preform with either Ta(OCH.sub.3).sub.5 or Ta(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.5 under anhydrous conditions;(4) hydrating the Ta(OCH.sub.3).sub.5 or Ta(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.5 to precipitate Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 throughout the preform; and(5) heating the preform at a temperature of 1400.degree. C. or more until the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 has reacted with the carbon to form tantalum carbide.