An aluminium-matrix TiAl3-particle (1-2 mu m) composite exhibiting high tensile ductility (22%), high tensile strength (235 MPa) and a grain size of 50 mu m was made by a new in situ method involving reactions between Al, TiO2 and Na3AlF6, which were subjected to stir casting at 900 degrees C. The strength and ductility were higher than those of an aluminium-matrix TiAl3-particle Al2O3-particle composite made in situ by reacting Al with TiO2 (without Na3AlF6). This is due to the ability of Na3AlF6 to enhance the reduction of TiO2 and Al2O3, thus resulting in more TiAl3 and a smaller grain size.