Tensile properties of Al–12Si matrix composites reinforced with Ti–Al-based particles

•Ti–Al–Nb–Mo–B particles reinforced Al based matrix composites were produced.•Both matrix and reinforcement belong to the family of metallic alloys.•Significant tensile strength improvement compared to the unreinforced matrix.•Mechanical behavior of the composites obeys the iso-stress model.

Lightweight composites consisting of an Al–12Si matrix reinforced with Ti–Al–Nb–Mo–B (TNM) crystalline particles have been fabricated by powder metallurgy through hot pressing and hot extrusion. A detailed microstructural characterization was carried out along with the analysis of their mechanical properties. The results reveal that the tensile properties of the composites are effectively improved by the addition of the reinforcing TNM particles. The high strength combined with the low density gives rise to composites with good specific strength.