Gamma ray and fast neutron shielding of ZrSiO4-Al2O3 ceramic refractor

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to investigate the role of three composites samples based on ZrSiO4/Al2O3 ratios (ZA91, ZA73, and ZA55) on the attenuation of gamma rays and fast neutrons. The sintering of the samples at 1450 °C/3h show the formation of composite of zircon and corundum and their microstructure varying from irregular and directed rods and scattered particles in ZA91 to clear quadrant euhedral crystals in ZA55. The heavy metal (ZA91) designated higher attenuation of gamma rays compared to ZA73 and ZA55 using photon energy of 0.662, 1.173, and 1.332 MeV, which may be attributed to the higher density of ZA91 (4.1910 g/cm3). In contrast, the attenuation property of light metal (ZA55) for fast neutrons is higher related to other composites. This may be correlated to the high interaction scattering cross-section of alumina content compared to that of zircon. The microstructure and mineralogical features were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. In addition to the gamma transmission parameters of linear attenuation coefficients (µ) and half value layer of the composite for the radio cesium (Cs137) and cobalt (Co60) as gamma source are measured. Likewise, the effective removal cross-section of fast neutrons (ΣR) spectra by composite for californium radioisotope (Cf252) as neutrons source was deliberated. Hence, it could be decided that the optimum ratios of composites based on zircon (ZrSiO4) and corundum (Al2O3) will be governed by the type of radiation emitted by the nuclear facility.