Gamma and neutron shielding properties of B4C particle reinforced Inconel 718 composites

Neutron and gamma-ray shielding properties of Inconel 718 reinforced B4C (0-25 wt%) were investigated using PSD software. Mean free path (MFP), linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC,MAC), tenth-value and half-value layers (TVL,HVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), exposure buildup factors (EBF), and fast neutron removal cross-sections (FNRC) values were calculated for 0.015–15 MeV. It was found that MAC and LAC increased with the decrease in the content of B4C compound by weight in Inconel 718. The EBFs were computed using G-P fitting method for 0.015–15 MeV up to the penetration depth of 40 mfp. HVL, TVL, and FNRC values were found to range between 0.018 cm and 3.6 cm, between 2.46 cm and 12.087 cm, and between 0.159 cm−1 and 0.194 cm−1, respectively. While Inconel 718 provides the maximum photon shielding property since it offered the highest values of MAC and Zeff and the lowest value of HVL, Inconel 718 with B4C(25 wt%) was observed to provide the best shielding material for neutron since it offered the highest FNRC value. The study is original in terms of several aspects; moreover, the results of the study may be used in nuclear technology, as well as other technologies including nano and space technologies.