Al3BC is firstly used as a strengthening agent for aluminum based composites.
Al3BC reinforced Al based composites are in-situ fabricated by liquid–solid reaction method.
Dual-scale Al3BC particles with sizes of 100–300 nm and 5–20 nm distribute homogeneously in the matrix.
Dual-scale Al3BC has promising strengthening effects on the aluminum alloy matrix.
The synthesis mechanisms of Al3BC particles in Al–B–C system are discussed.