Tailoring intermetallics via cellular boundary enables strong yet ductile property: An example in Gd-enriched neutron shielding alloys

Gd is a highly effective element for neutron shielding, but its minimal solubility promotes Gd-rich intermetallics that degrade alloy properties if not properly controlled. This study introduces an innovative approach to refine these intermetallics to a sub-micron scale and achieve a uniform distribution by leveraging the cellular boundaries formed during laser powder bed fusion. These cellular boundaries, combined with the tailored intermetallics, act as “modulators” that effectively impede plastic deformation while permitting dislocation motion, resulting in a satisfying strength-ductility synergy. The findings offer a promising direction for incorporating elements with low solubility but functional properties by tailoring intermetallics through cellular boundary engineering.