An aluminum based metal matrix composite is produced from a charge containing a rapidly solidifed aluminum alloy and particles of a reinforcing material present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 50 percent by volume of the charge. The charge is ball milled energetically to enfold metal matrix material around each of the particles while maintaining the charge in a pulverant state. Upon completion of the ball milling step, the charge is consolidated to provide a powder compact having a formable, substantially void free mass. The mass is then subject to a heat treatment during which it is solutionized at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the alloy, quenched and age hardened at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the allow to promote precipitation of a primary strenthening Al3(Li, Zr) phase and to precipitate substantially all of the Al3(Li, Zr) phase into the metal matrix. The composite is especially suited for use in aerospace, automotive, electronic, wear resistance critical components and the like.
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