Abstract: A discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composite wherein the reinforcing material is a particulate binary intermetallic compound is described along with methods for preparing the same. The binary intermetallic compound includes the same type of metal as is the principal matrix metal in combination with one other metal. The particle size of the particulate binary intermetallic compound may be less than about 20 ?m and may be between about 1 ?m and about 10 ?m. The intermetallic particles may be present in the discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 70% by volume. The discontinuous reinforced metal matrix composites of the invention may be used in structures requiring greater strength and stiffness than can be provided by matrix metal alone. The materials of the invention may be used for vehicle parts, structural materials, and the like.

Abstract: A discontinuously reinforced metal composite, having a metal matrix and a plurality of intermetallic particles comprising at least two different metals, the intermetallic particles having a size ranging from 1 ?m to about 10 ?m and being dispersed within the metal matrix in an amount of at least 20% by volume, wherein the intermetallic particles are particles having at least one same metal as the metal in the metal matrix.

Abstract: A discontinuously reinforced metal composite, having a metal matrix and a plurality of intermetallic particles comprising at least two different metals, the intermetallic particles having a size ranging from 1 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m and being dispersed within the metal matrix in an amount of at least 20% by volume, wherein the intermetallic particles are particles having at least one same metal as the metal in the metal matrix.