The present disclosure relates to a magnesium based composite material. The magnesium based composite material includes a magnesium based metal matrix and nanoparticles dispersed in the magnesium based metal matrix in a weight percentage of a range from about 0.01% to about 2%. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making the magnesium based composite material. In the method, the nanoparticles are added to the magnesium based metal at a temperature of about 460° C. to about 580° C. to form a mixture. The mixture is ultrasonically vibrated at a temperature of about 620° C. to about 650° C. The mixture is casted at a temperature of about 650° C. to about 680° C., to form an ingot.