A novel bismuth-nickel-aluminium nanocomposite as a protective barrier against nuclear radiation

Abstract

In the present work, Alovera extract is used as a reducing agent during the versatile solution combustion synthesis of bismuth nickel aluminum nanocomposites (BiNiAl NCs). Standard techniques are used to characterize the obtained BiNiAl NCs. The formation of multi-phase BiNiAl NCs with crystal diameters of 18.20 nm and 22.06 nm was confirmed by Bragg’s reflections. The agglomeration of spherical-shaped nanoparticles was confirmed by the surface morphology of BiNiAl NCs. The presence of Bi, Ni, and Al was analyzed using the EDAX spectrum. The direct energy gap is calculated to be 3.06 eV. Then, using a NaI(Tl) detector coupled with MCA, the shielding characteristics against X-rays and gamma radiation are measured. Shielding standards are a little higher than lead standards. The characteristics of neutron shielding are compared to those of traditional shielding materials. When compared to lead, concrete, and steel, the neutron attenuation characteristics and scattering length of BiNiAl NCs are determined to be effective. The scattering length is found to be 6.6 fm. At 1.511 MeV, the shielding parameters for bremsstrahlung radiation are calculated. While bremsstrahlung dose rate and specific bremsstrahlung constant are found to be greater in comparison with lead, bremsstrahlung efficiency is equivalent to lead. As a result, BiNiAl NCs are very effective in absorbing neutrons, bremsstrahlung radiation, and X/gamma rays.