What is the Process Window for Semi-solid Processing?

In semi-solid processing, the liquid fraction vs temperature is commonly used to define the process window. Conventionally, it is assumed that a freezing range is required for semi-solid processing but recently both high-purity aluminum and binary Al-Si eutectic alloy have been rheo-processed. Here, the kinetics during melting and solidification of pure metal are analyzed, and a comparison between the liquid fraction vs temperature and the liquid fraction vs time is presented. It is found that liquid fraction vs time is a significant criterion for semi-solid processing.