Influence of the supersaturated silicon solid solution concentration on the effectiveness of severe plastic deformation processing in Al-7Â wt.% Si casting alloy

► The available Si solid solution is the main factor affecting the grain refining. ► HPT and ECAP processes have been compared. ► Three different initial Si solid solution contents have been considered. ► The initial equilibrium state determines the effectiveness of the processing. ► Small variations in initial Si solid solution content are more important than the selected processing.