A study on the textural and radiation attenuation properties of nickel-cobalt-boron-based metal matrix materials

Abstract

Radiation has negative deterministic and stochastic effects on the human body, such as decreased repairability of cells and DNA damage. In order to avoid the effects of exposure to external radiation, the need for shielding is also very important, along with observing the rules of time and distance. In this study, Ni–Co–B material was produced on steel substrates as an alternative to existing shielding materials, and hexagonal boron nitride was doped into these structures at different proportions. Structural and morphological properties of the produced materials were obtained with XRD and SEM images. Then, these samples were irradiated with alpha, beta, and gamma rays and their radiation attenuation properties were examined according to the current types in the production phase. To verify the results, stopping power and range values of the materials were calculated for the same beams. It was determined that the hexagonal boron nitride incorporating levels increased as one went from direct current to alternating current. The maximum incorporation level was approximately 1.1%. It was specified that the amount of boron in the material was directly proportional to the current intensity. It was observed that finer granular structures were formed under alternating current compared to direct current. It was found that gamma rays were absorbed the most and positrons were absorbed the least in the samples. According to the increasing hexagonal boron nitride ratios, the absorption percentages of alpha, electron, positron, and gamma rays varied as 0.13–3.75, 0.51–2.24, 0.015–1.04, and 0.72–8.37, respectively. As the hexagonal boron nitride ratios increased and changed from direct current to alternating current, both radiation absorption rates and stopping power increased. It was understood that gamma photons had a greater range in alternating current, and the range increased non-uniformly with the hexagonal boron nitride ratio.