Abstract
The article investigates the effect of iron content on the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the Si-0.6% Mn-0.5% aluminum alloy. Experimental alloys with iron content ranging from 0.1% to 2.0% were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), optical and scanning electron microscopy, hardness and tensile strength testing, as well as eddy-current conductivity measurements. It was established that an iron content of 0.8% provides the most optimal balance of properties: hardness - 60 HB, tensile strength - 170 MPa, ductility - 16%, and electrical resistivity - 33 μΩ·m. With further increase of iron concentration, hardness and strength increase but electrical conductivity decreases significantly due to the formation of AlFeSi and Al₃Fe phases. The obtained results demonstrate that controlling the iron content allows optimization of aluminum alloys for application in electrical engineering, construction and automotive industries, where both high mechanical strength and stable conductivity are required