Effect of the Method of Introducing WO3 Nanoparticles into the Al–Si–Cu Melt on the Structure and Hardness of the Prepared Composite Material

The structure and hardness of an aluminum-matrix Al–Si–Cu-based material reinforced with WO3 nanoparticles via liquid phase mixing with a melt according to two versions, namely, using a mixture of WO3 with a copper powder and without it, are studied. The existence of transport effect of a copper powder, which ensures a uniform distribution of WO3 nanoparticles in the composite volume, is confirmed. The most homogeneous structure and a high hardness of the composite material are reached in the case of introduction of a mixture of 1 wt % WO3 and Cu powder taken at a weight ratio of 1 : 3.