A NiAl-TiB2-Y2O3 composite has been prepared by hot pressing mechanica
lly alloyed nickel and aluminium powders with TiB2 and Y2O3 powders. V
ery fine grain (0.8 mu m) and dispersoid (45 nm) sizes have been obser
ved. The compressive mechanical properties of the composite at room te
mperature and at high temperature show a significantly improved streng
th relative to that of monolithic NiAl. The dominant mechanism has bee
n preliminary discussed.