Microstructural, mechanical and neutron-attenuation properties of apatite-wollastonite doped by SiO2, Fe2O3, and TiO2

Abstract

In this study, the preparation, physical characteristics, microstructural attributes, and fast neutron (FN) removal parameters of apatite-wollastonite (AW)-containing GCs doped with 10 % SiO2, Fe2O3, and TiO2 were reported. Glass-ceramics containing the AW crystal structure within the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO–P2O5–CaF2 glass system were prepared and doped with 10 % SiO2, Fe2O3, and TiO2 by weight. The microstructural and chemical evolution of the glass-ceramics were studied using SEM/EDS. The density and Vicker hardness of the samples were experimentally evaluated, while the fast neutron removal cross-sections (ΣR) were computed using standard equations. The SEM micrograph showed densely crystallised and crack-free surface surfaces. Silicon and titanium additions did not cause a significant increase in density. However, Fe doping had a higher effect on density. The values of ΣR for pristine, SiO2, TiO2, and Fe2O3-doped AW were found to be 0.0796 cm−1, 0.0832 cm−1, 0.0869 cm−1, and 0.0904 cm−1, respectively. Compared to some other materials, such as polymers, AW-10Fe showed better attenuation for fast neutrons. The investigated ceramics could be used in tissue engineering and fast neutron moderation functions.