Influence of Gd2O3 reinforcement on the mechanical, physical and radiation shielding properties of Al-30Sm2O3 composites

In this comprehensive study, we meticulously fabricated Al-30Sm2O3-XGd2O3 (X = 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15) composites through a series of tests and analyses to determine the composites' mechanical, physical, corrosion, and radiation shielding properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used for microstructural analysis. The main objective of the research is to investigate the effects of Gd2O3 reinforcement on the mechanical properties (hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance) and radiation shielding performances of the composites. MCNP6.2 simulations evaluated thermal, fast neutron, and gamma-ray attenuation properties, while mechanical properties were analyzed by hardness, wear, and corrosion tests. XRD analyses showed no intermetallic phase was formed, while SEM-EDX analyses revealed that the composites were homogeneous and had a partial increase in void ratio with Gd2O3 reinforcement. Gd2O3 reinforcement increased the hardness and wear resistance of the composites, but a slight decrease in relative density was observed. The highest hardness and wear resistance were obtained at 15% Gd2O3 reinforcement. The corrosion rate decreased with Gd2O3 reinforcement, while an increase in corrosion rate was observed in the composite containing 15% Gd2O3. MCNP6.2 simulations showed that Gd2O3 reinforcement increased the thermal neutron macroscopic cross-section and linear attenuation coefficient while decreasing the fast neutron macroscopic cross-section.