Advanced neutron and γ-ray shielding characteristics of nanostructured (90-x)Al-xGd2O3 composites reinforced by tungsten

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2025-01, Vol.1010, p.177372, Article 177372
• Main Authors: Kursun, Celal, Gaylan, Yasin, Yalcin, Ali Orkun, Parrey, Khursheed A., Gao, Meng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ball-milling; Half-value layer (HVL); Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC); MCNP6.2; Neutron shielding cross-section; Radiation shielding
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.177372

This study introduces a composite material designed to offer exceptional mechanical strength and superior radiation shielding characteristics. By integrating tungsten into an aluminum Al-matrix with varying Gd2O3 content, we developed composites that meet the needful demands of mechanical durability and radiation protection in nuclear applications. The composites, synthesized via mechanical milling and sintering methods in planetary ball mills, have nominal compositions of (90-x)Al-xGd2O3 (x = 5, 10, 15 wt%) supplemented with 10 %W. The XRD analysis revealed phase structure transformations correlated with increased milling durations, while SEM-EDAX provided detailed morphological and elemental insights. TEM study confirmed a homogeneous distribution of nanocrystalline powders after 30 hours of milling while DSC thermographs indicated variations in thermal properties dependent on the Gd2O3 and tungsten content. The enhanced mechanical strength with higher concentrations of gadolinium and tungsten was characterized by Vickers microhardness tests. Neutron and γ-ray shielding properties were calculated using MCNP6.2 simulation code and Phy-X/PSD software. The thermal neutron macroscopic cross-section increased exponentially with higher Gd2O3 content, achieving values of 23.3 cm⁻¹ for 5 wt%, 48.4 cm⁻¹ for 10 wt%, and 73.7 cm⁻¹ for 15 wt%. Fast neutron removal cross-section also showed an increasing trend. The γ-ray linear attenuation coefficient decreased with increasing energy, but the Al-15Gd2O3-10 %W composite exhibited the highest LAC values, indicating superior γ-ray absorption capabilities. Correspondingly, the HVL values were lowest for the Al-15Gd2O3-10 %W composite. These findings demonstrate that Al-Gd2O3-W composites are promising materials for advanced industrial applications requiring robust mechanical properties and effective radiation shielding. •(90-x)Al-xGd2O310W(x=5,10,15) composites were produced by mechanical milling.•The hardness values were recorded as 134HV, 137HV and 155HV, respectively.•Neutron and γ-ray shielding properties were calculated by MCNP6.2 and Phy-X/PSD.•The γ-ray linear attenuation coefficient decreased with increasing energy.•The HVL values were lowest for the Al-15Gd2O3-10 %W composite.