Evaluation of strengthening behavior of Al-AlN nanostructured composite by the use of modified Heckel model and response surface methodology

► Effects of AlN, milling time and compaction pressure on strengthening. ► Combining modified Heckel model and RSM. ► Particle rearrangement and plastic deformation in low and high pressure ranges. ► Smooth varying of hardening effects for Al10AlN after 15 h milling. ► Statistical insignificancy of AlN term in MSF response.