Anomalous hardening of Al-8%Ca eutectic alloy due to a non-equilibrium phase state transition under laser irradiation

•As-cast Al-8%Ca eutectic aluminum alloy was processed by laser irradiation.•Laser irradiation leads to a 4-fold increase in the microhardness of the alloy.•The hardened state has increased thermal stability.•A supersaturated solid solution of calcium in aluminum is formed.•Numerous dislocation loops are formed.