FeCoNiMnCr high-entropy alloys (HEAs): Synthesis, structural, magnetic and nuclear radiation absorption properties

Abstract

We report the synthesis and structural, magnetic and Radiation shielding properties of High Entropy Alloy (HEA) produced through mechanical alloying method. Using an X-Ray Diffractometer (PanalyticalEmpryan) with CuK radiation at 45 kV and 40 mA, the phase identification starting elements and as-milled powders are identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), morphological and microstructural investigations were conducted (FEI Quanta FEG 450). EDX and elemental mapping analyses are conducted to assess the purity and elemental distributions of the synthesized alloys. Using the Quantum Design Physical Characteristics Measurement System (PPMS) with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a magnetic field of 30 kOe at room temperature, magnetic properties are examined. Using 137Cs radioisotope and mathematical methods, gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties of HEA are investigated in a conventional transmission setup using experimental and theoretical approaches. In the presence of a 3 T applied field, the sample exhibits a low magnetization of 5.30 emu/g at 300 K. Moreover, Ms is raised to 22 emu/g at 10 K owing to decreased thermal effects. The temperature dependence of the magnetization is recorded in the presence of a 1 T applied field. HEA exhibits superior neutron attenuation properties than conventional absorption materials such as B4C, graphite, and water. Our results showed that the synthesized HEA has superiority over other alloys and conventional neutron absorption materials. It can be concluded that the proposed novel HEA might be investigated further in terms of broadening its characterization and clarifying its other crucial properties to extend the scope of the current investigation.