Weight increases during sintering were indicative of reaction of chromium with the furnace atmosphere. Oxidizing processes predominate. By reducing copper and protecting it against hydrogen sickness, chromium enables a copper matrix of any starting porosity to shrink. When the amount exceeds that necessary for reduction, shrinkage decreases, and under certain conditions growth of specimens begins. Oxide-coated chromium particles behave as an inert filler. A similar influence is exerted during sintering of re-pressed specimens.