Neutron/gamma radiation shielding characteristics and physical properties of (97.3−x)Pb−xCd–2.7Ag alloys for nuclear radiation applications

Abstract

In this work, the shielding performance of (97.3–x)Pb–xCd–2.7Ag (x = 10, 18, and 30) ternary alloys against neutrons and gamma rays has been investigated. The microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of the ternary alloys were examined. The total mass attenuation coefficients, μ / ρ , for prepared alloys were determined at 662, 1173, and 1332 keV photon energies using NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. The theoretical values of μ / ρ were calculated using WinXCom program depending on the mixture rule. The estimated values were compared with the measured values for all investigated alloys. Atomic cross-section, σ a, electronic cross-section, σ e, effective atomic number, Z eff , effective electron number, N eff , and GP fitting parameters (b, c, a, Xk, and d) were determined. The exposure buildup factor, EBF, have been also calculated. Fast neutron attenuation for the prepared samples have been investigated via the macroscopic effective removal cross-section ( ∑ R ) calculation. Also, thermal neutron attenuation has been evaluated via neutron scattering calculator. The results show that the alloys containing 10 and 30% Cd compromise between superior tensile strength and Young modulus, while the pasty range, heat of fusion and ductility decreased with increasing Cd content. Moreover, the prepared ternary alloys have a high attenuation ability for gamma rays as the standard Pb. The increase of Cd ratio also significantly enhances the thermal neutron attenuation by amazing way along with the increase in the attenuation rate of fast neutrons.

Synergetic role of Ni and GOns to improve the microstructure and mechanical creep rate of Sn-5.0Sb-0.7Cu solder alloy

“…Despite the importance of lead-containing alloys [1], the global concerns owing to the inherent toxicity of Pb have targeted the development of Pb-free solder alternatives [2]. A lot of work has been put into developing new lead-free solders that support compact, lightweight, and more functional microelectronic devices that have low melting points, acceptable costs, and high stability [3].…”

“…A lot of work has been put into developing new lead-free solders that support compact, lightweight, and more functional microelectronic devices that have low melting points, acceptable costs, and high stability [3]. The most well-known lead-free solders are Sn-Sb alloys because of their high reliability, excellent wettability, and high creep resistance [1,4]. Recently, Sn-5 wt% Sb solder has attention-grabbing due to its excellent characteristics when compared to other modernistic Pb-free solders.…”

Effect of Fe2O3/Al addition on the neutron shielding, microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties of HDPE composites

“…In line with the narrow beam geometry, Beer-Lambert's law was used to determine the values of the linear attenuation coefficients of both neutrons and gamma-rays, as shown by the following equations [1,43]:…”

“…It should be mentioned that the data reported in this investigation are average values of three runs for each investigated thickness. Moreover, the indicator shielding parameters of neutrons and gamma-rays such as the mean free path (MFP, cm) and half-value layer (HVL, cm) were calculated using the following equations, respectively [43,44]:…”

Gamma-ray shielding, electrical, and magnetic properties of α-Fe2O3/Al/HDPE nanocomposites

“…The statistical error associated with the measurements was in the range of 5% with a measuring time of 600 s for each run. The errors in the values of μ, m D , ( ) were calculated from the errors associated with the measured parameters I , 0 I, and x according to the following equation [73][74][75][76]:…”