Carbon nanofiber-copper composites are fabricated by composite plating techniques using a plating bath containing an effective dispersing agent for carbon nanofibers. Carbon nanofibers disperse uniformly in the copper matrix, as observed by surface and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy. By changing electrodeposition parameters, composites with microstructures resembling sea urchins are obtained. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.