Effect of particle dispersion on the mechanical behavior of Al-based metal matrix composites reinforced with nanocrystalline Al-Ca intermetallics

► We prepared Al-based composites reinforced with nanocrystalline Al-Ca intermetallics. ► Two distinct approaches have been used for the dispersion of the reinforcing particles: manual blending and ball milling. ► It highlight the effect of inter-particle spacing on the mechanical property of the composites.