Effect of SiC particles on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of aluminum during ARB process

► Distribution of SiC particles in the composite was homogen after the eighth cycles. ► Elongated ultrafine grains were formed in both monolithic and composite specimens. ► The presence of SiC particles accelerated grain refinement during ARB. ► The fraction of high angle boundaries was higher in the composite samples. ► The average misorientation angles were higher in the composite samples.