Microstructure and property characterization of Al-based composites reinforced with CuZrAl particles fabricated by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering

•Al-based composites reinforced with CuZrAl were fabricated by spark plasma sintering.•Diffusion of Al and Cu between matrix and reinforcement promotes interfacial bonding.•Al-based composites possess high densification and excellent mechanical properties.•Composite with 20 vol% CuZrAl possesses 290 HV and fracture strength of 459 MPa.•Fine grain strengthening and elemental diffusion were discussed.