A closer-look on W and Pb alloys: In-depth evaluation in elastic modulus, gamma-ray, and neutron attenuation for critical applications

This investigation assesses the gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties of various alloys, including Pb90Cu10, A5, Manganin-R, Cu0.2Ag0.8, SA4, and W-based, to uncover efficient and cost-effective radiation shielding materials. Our study centers on alloys featuring elements such as lead, molybdenum, silver, and tungsten, selected for their unique protective qualities against radiation. Employing computational methods to evaluate critical parameters like mass attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, linear attenuation coefficients, and effective atomic numbers, transmission factor, we found the W-based alloy to exhibit exceptional shielding properties, primarily due to its tungsten content. Interestingly, this alloy also demonstrated the highest elastic modulus among the samples studied, indicating a potential synergy between an alloy's mechanical strength and its radiation shielding effectiveness. It can be concluded that alloys with higher elastic moduli not only offer better resistance to radiation-induced deformations, enhancing shielding, but also underscore the need for further research on alloys that balance performance, affordability, and environmental impact. The findings underscore the dual importance of composition and mechanical properties in advancing radiological safety and suggest continued investigation into the sustainability and practicality of effective shielding materials.