The microstructural characteristics of $Al_2$$O_3$/Cu composites hot-pressed at different temperatures for atmosphere switching from $H_2$to Ar have been studied. When the composite atmosphere was switched at $1000^{circ}C$ it led to more homogeneous microstructure than when the atmosphere was switched at $1450^{circ}C$. The strong sensitivity of Cu to atmosphere, especially the oxygen content in the atmosphere, was found to be responsible for the observed change, based upon the interfacial phenomena related to the formation of $CuAlO_2$. The practical implication of these results is that an optimum processing condition for the design of homogeneous microstructure and stable properties can be established.