Grain refinement in low SFE and particle-containing nickel aluminium bronze during severe plastic deformation at elevated temperatures

•Non-shearing particles alter the grain refinement sequences found in particle free metal during severe plastic deformation.•Influence on grain refinement dependent on stacking fault energy, deformation temperature, particle size, and morphology.•At elevated temperatures, coarse particles facilitate dynamic recrystallization in surrounding deformation zones.•Fine particles delay grain refinement by hindering twin formation, which is a key mechanism for low stacking fault energy.•Broken lamellae accelerate grain refinement by creating numerous high angle grain boundaries to initiate recrystallization.