Synthesis, microstructural refinement, and shielding optimization of Gd₂O₃-reinforced AISI 316L stainless steel: a multi-dimensional integration assessment for targeted protection applications

Abstract This study investigates the multi-dimensional effects of increasing Gd 2 O 3 reinforcement on the structural, mechanical, and gamma-ray shielding properties of AISI 316L stainless steel composites. Samples with varying Gd 2 O 3 content (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight) were synthesized and characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to assess the microstructural changes and homogeneity of Gd 2 O 3 dispersion after mechanical milling. The addition of Gd 2 O 3 significantly enhanced the gamma-ray shielding properties, with the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), and half-value layer (HVL) improving as the Gd 2 O 3 content increased, particularly in low to moderate photon energy ranges. Simultaneously, the elastic modulus exhibited an inverse relationship, decreasing with higher Gd 2 O 3 content due to the lower stiffness of gadolinium compared to iron. Transmission factor (TF) values also decreased, indicating enhanced photon attenuation with higher Gd 2 O 3 content across various thicknesses. The experimental characterization confirmed improved Gd 2 O 3 dispersion and material uniformity after mechanical milling, contributing to the composites’ superior radiation shielding performance. It can be concluded that Gd 2 O 3 -reinforced AISI 316L stainless steel composites offer a promising balance between enhanced radiation shielding properties and reduced mechanical stiffness, making them ideal candidates for applications requiring efficient and adaptable radiation protection especially for portable and non-structural shielding applications.