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

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, σa, electronic cross-section, σe, effective atomic number, Zeff, effective electron number, Neff, 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.