Boron nitride nanosheet-reinforced WNiCoFeCr high-entropy alloys: the role of B4C on the structural, physical, mechanical, and radiological shielding properties

Abstract

The synthesis and extensive characterization of newly developed boron nitride nanosheet (BNNSs)-reinforced WNiCoFeCr high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are presented. The influence of B4C on the structural, physical, mechanical, and nuclear shielding characteristics of synthesized HEAs has been widely examined in terms of its monotonic effects on the behavior changes. The internal morphology and structural characteristics of the fabricated composites are first investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Wear testing is used to determine the coefficient of friction as a function of sliding distance. Experimental gamma ray and neutron setups are created to determine their shielding characteristics against nuclear radiation. Finally, the shielding characteristics of nuclear radiation for gamma ray and fast neutrons are compared extensively to those of many existing and new-generation shielding materials. Among the examined samples, the S2 sample with B4C and BNNSs reinforcement had the greatest mechanical characteristics. Our findings imply that increasing B4C directly contributes to the shielding qualities of nuclear radiation. The B4C created in the structure of BNNSs contributes to the overall properties of HEAs, which are crucial for nuclear applications, since HEAs are being examined as a component of future nuclear reactors. Additionally, B4C is a very versatile material that may be used in circumstances where mechanical and nuclear shielding properties need to be enhanced for a variety of radiation energies. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.