Dependence of the Mechanical Properties of Al–Si–Cu–WO3 Nanoparticle Alloy Composite Material on the Method of Introducing the Reinforcing Phase

Abstract—The mechanical properties of composite materials for antifriction purposes based on an Al–Si–Cu alloy reinforced with WO3 nanoparticles with or without copper have been investigated. The best combination of properties was found in composites produced by adding 10 wt % WO3 powder or 1 wt % WO3 + Cu powder mixture to the alloy at a mass ratio of WO3 : Cu = 1 : 3. The mechanical properties of these composites under compression are offset yield strength $$\sigma _{{0.2}}^{{\text{c}}}$$ = 240 МPa and buckling stress σcr = 300 MPa, which is 4 and 2.4 times higher, respectively, than those of Al—Si–Cu matrix alloy. The mechanical properties of these composites in bending are $$\sigma _{{0.25}}^{{\text{b}}}$$ = 250–260 MPa and $$\sigma _{{\text{u}}}^{{\text{b}}}$$ = 380–390 MPa, which are 5 times higher than those of matrix alloy.