Cyclic deformation and dynamically induced short-range ordering in small particles reinforced Al composite

•Cyclic deformation of Al matrix composite hardened by small non-shareable particles was studied.•The small particle reinforced Al matrix composite showed higher low-cycle fatigue life.•Cyclic-deformation induced short-range orderings were found at room temperature.•Strain amplitude and cycle-dependent stress serration on stress-strain hysteresis loops was analyzed.•The cyclic hardening model of the composite was established.