Durmus, Hasan; Kilic, G.; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Güler, Ömer; Birdogan, Selcuk; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the structural evolution and radiation shielding performance of lithium borotellurite glasses reinforced with nano-sized HfO2. We report on the competitive dynamics between the depolymerizing nature of the Li + network modifier and the high field strength Hf4+ nano-dopant, a relationship not previously explored in this matrix. Structural analysis via XRD and TEM reveals that the glass remains fully amorphous with homogeneously dispersed Hf rich nanodomains up to 4 mol%. A critical solubility threshold is identified at 6 mol%, where the precipitation of HfO2 and HfTe3O8 crystalline phases marks a distinct transition from an amorphous state to a glass-ceramic microstructure. Physical property measurements indicate that Hf4+ ions primarily occupy interstitial free volumes, leading to enhanced material density without significant network dilation. The incorporation of nano-HfO2 significantly augments gamma-ray attenuation efficiency, particularly in the low-energy region, by substantially increasing the effective atomic number and reducing the half value layer. Furthermore, the glasses exhibit robust fast-neutron shielding capabilities, outperforming conventional materials such as graphite and B4C. These findings establish nano-HfO2 as a potent structural and radiative modifier, providing a novel roadmap for designing high-density, multifunctional glass-ceramic shields for advanced nuclear applications.

AtıfScopus1·OpenAlex1

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Kilic, G.; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Durmus, Hasan; Güler, Ömer; Birdogan, Selcuk; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the effects of holmium oxide (Ho2O3) microparticle reinforcement on the structural, physical, and radiation shielding properties of borotellurite glasses with compositions ranging from 0 to 12 mol% Ho2O3. X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses confirmed the retention of amorphous structure across all samples, with localized short-range ordering observed at higher Ho contents. Glass density increased from 4.598 to 5.202 g/cm3 with increasing Ho2O3, while molar volume expanded from 27.94 to 30.61 cm3/mol, and oxygen packing density decreased from 0.605 to 0.551 g/cm3, indicating network expansion due to the substitution of lighter Li + ions by heavier Ho3+. Gamma-ray shielding properties significantly improved with Ho incorporation. At 81 keV, the linear attenuation coefficient increased from 8.33 to 13.70 cm−1, and the mass attenuation coefficient improved from 2.066 to 2.735 cm2/g. Moreover, effective atomic number rose from 44.9 to 52.5 and half-value layer decreased by 20.5% at 383 keV, and buildup factors dropped by up to 34% at 0.5 MeV. Neutron dose absorption improved, and the fast neutron removal cross-section increased from 0.1066 to 0.1113 cm−1. These results confirm that Ho2O3 contributes as a highly effective multifunctional dopant, significantly enhancing both gamma-ray and neutron shielding performance of borotellurite glasses, one of the most promising glass systems for advanced radiation protection applications.

AtıfScopus1·OpenAlex1

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Durmus, Hasan; Kilic, G.; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Güler, Ömer; Birdogan, Selcuk; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the structural, physical, and radiation-shielding properties of nano-Gd2O3-reinforced lithium borotellurite glasses with the composition 50TeO2-30B2O3-(20-x)Li2O-xGd2O3 (x= 0-10 mol %). X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the fully amorphous nature of the glasses and the homogeneous distribution of nanoscale Gd clusters. Density increased from 4.03 to 4.77 g/cm3, accompanied by compositional shifts, decreasing boron and increasing oxygen and tellurium contents, indicating enhanced structural compactness and electron density. Gamma-ray attenuation measurements revealed a 74 % increase in the linear attenuation coefficient from 8.33 to 14.53 cm−1 at 81 keV and a nearly 27 % reduction in the half-value layer from 1.21 to 0.89 cm. Effective atomic number values remained highest for Gd(n)10 across the photon energy range investigated. Experimental neutron dose measurements showed absorption improvements from 37.66 % to 51.91 %, while the effective removal cross-section increased from 0.1066 to 0.1096 cm−1, outperforming water, B4C, and graphite. Compared with the Gd-doped zinc borotellurite glasses reported in the literature, the present lithium-based system exhibited higher densification and superior dual γ-neutron attenuation. These results demonstrate that controlled nano-Gd2O3 integration into the lithium borotellurite matrix yields a stable, lead-free amorphous material with outstanding radiation-shielding efficiency for advanced photonic and nuclear applications.

AtıfScopus3·OpenAlex3

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Güler, Ömer; Özkul, İskender; Almisned, Ghada; Sen Baykal, Duygu; Alkarrani, Hessa; Kilic, G.; Mesbahi, A.; Tekin, H.O.

This study explores the development and characterization of 18 novel ZrWNb[(X)(Y)] (where XY are Hf, Ta, Mo, V, Ti) refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) designed to enhance mechanical robustness, thermodynamic stability, and radiation shielding effectiveness. Through a rigorous analysis, we evaluated the elastic modulus, entropy, and enthalpy of mixing, atomic size difference, valence electron concentration, and the omega parameter to understand the alloys’ phase behavior and structural integrity. Our findings revealed a broad range of elastic modulus values, indicating diverse mechanical adaptability suitable for high-stress applications. The thermodynamic assessment highlighted several RHEAs with favorable phase stability, particularly ZrWNbTaHf and ZrWNbTiTaHf, which are poised for high-performance usage due to their balanced mixing entropy and enthalpy. This study also benchmarks the RHEAs against conventional alloys, with sample R1 exhibiting the lowest fast neutron effective removal cross section, underscoring its superior neutron shielding capabilities. Additionally, R1 demonstrated exceptional photon attenuation, as evidenced by its competitive half-value layer performance across an extensive energy spectrum. Collectively, these results position R1 as a standout candidate, offering a significant advancement in materials science for applications demanding stringent radiation shielding, such as in nuclear reactor environments and space exploration.

AtıfScopus4·OpenAlex5

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Ilik, E.; Guler, Seval Hale; Güler, Ömer; Durmus, Hasan; Kavaz, E.; Birdogan, Selcuk; ALMisned, Ghada; Kilic, G.; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the influence of high entropy oxide (HEO) and high entropy alloy oxide (HEAO) dopants on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of zinc-borate glasses. Two synthesis routes were employed through direct mechanical alloying of five rare-earth oxides such as Sm2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Yb2O3, Gd2O3 to form (SmHoErYbGd)2O3 HEO, and mechanical alloying of the corresponding rare-earth metals followed by oxidation to produce HEAO of the same elemental composition. The central hypothesis proposed that the dopant structure and oxygen coordination, not just elemental presence, critically influence the on characteristic behaviors in terms of radiation attenuation. Structural analyses confirmed that HEAO-doped glasses exhibit more homogeneous, amorphous networks. Optical characterizations revealed red-shifted absorption edges and lower Urbach energies in HEAO samples, indicating reduced disorder. HEAO-doped glasses showed superior gamma-ray shielding, with higher linear attenuation coefficients and lower half-value layers than HEO or undoped samples. Most notably, HEAO glass achieved the highest fast neutron removal cross-section, surpassing water, graphite, and B4C. These findings demonstrate that rare-earth high entropy alloy oxides offer a structurally optimized pathway for designing next-generation multifunctional glasses for radiation-related applications.

AtıfScopus9·OpenAlex8

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ALMisned, Ghada; Susoy, Gulfem; Baykal, Duygu Sen; Kilic, G.; Güler, Ömer; Tekin, H.O.

This comprehensive study investigates the radiation attenuation properties of various bismuth (Bi) and lead (Pb) based alloys, with a focus on identifying superior shielding materials for nuclear safety and industrial radiation protection. The research encompasses an in-depth analysis of seven alloys, namely GTSB5, Sn%40Bi, Bi50Sn50, A1, PbAl-4, Safe Alloy, and P1, assessing their efficacy in gamma-ray and neutron attenuation. Utilizing some computational tools, various parameters such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half and tenth value layer values, effective atomic and electron numbers, buildup factors, and transmission values were evaluated. Our findings highlight Alloy P1's outstanding performance, attributed to its high density (11.05 g/cm3) and optimized elemental composition, including Silver (Ag). In addition, P1 demonstrates exceptional gamma-ray attenuation across multiple energy spectra and superior neutron shielding capabilities, evidenced by its significant fast neutron removal cross-section (∑R, 0.12003 1/cm). The study revealed that the addition of Ag enhances the photon and beta particle absorption capacity, positioning P1 as a promising material in radiation shielding applications. The correlations between alloy density and gamma-ray shielding properties were particularly notable, with P1's density contributing to its enhanced attenuation capabilities. Furthermore, P1's lower half value layers (1.14469 cm) and tenth value layers (3.80256 cm) at 15 MeV indicate its efficiency in reducing radiation intensity with minimal material thickness.

AtıfScopus3·OpenAlex3

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Kilic, G.; Durmus, Hasan; Birdogan, Selçuk; Ilik, E.; Perişanoğlu, Esra Kavaz; Saltık, Sevda; Guler, Ömer; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

In this study, a novel series of nano-Sm2O3-doped lithium borotellurite glasses was synthesized and systematically investigated in terms of their structural, physical, and radiation shielding characteristics. X-ray diffraction confirmed the amorphous nature of all samples, while transmission electron microscopy revealed progressive nanoarchitectural refinement and particle growth with increasing Sm2O3 content, from uniformly dispersed nanodomains to dense agglomerates exhibiting short-range crystalline ordering. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping validated the homogeneous incorporation of boron, oxygen, tellurium, and samarium throughout the glass matrix without phase separation. Gamma-ray shielding evaluations showed enhanced mass attenuation coefficients and reduced half-value layers, particularly in the Sm(n)8 sample, with significant performance gains at lower photon energies. Neutron shielding assessments further indicated elevated macroscopic removal cross-section values and dose attenuation, affirming the compositional benefit of Sm2O3 for fast neutron mitigation. It can be concluded that nano-Sm2O3 incorporation would play a multifunctional role on structural and radioprotective properties in addition to morphostructural features of lithium borotellurite glasses.

AtıfScopus5·OpenAlex6

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Tekin, H.O.; Güler, Ömer; Özkul, İskender; AlMisned, Ghada; Baykal, Duygu Sen; Alkarrani, Hessa; Kilic, G.; Mesbahi, A.

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) hold considerable potential for sophisticated nuclear applications, offering a vast spectrum of compositional tuning to enhance mechanical properties at high temperatures, as well as to increase resistance to radiation and corrosion. This study explores the suitability of Cantor HEAs, specifically the CoCrFeMnNi matrix enriched with elements such as Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W, for nuclear applications. These elements were selected for their high atomic numbers and neutron capture cross-sections, vital for enhancing gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties. Utilizing advanced computational and theoretical methods, the elastic modulus of these alloys was theoretically estimated while their radiation attenuation capabilities were evaluated through different Monte Carlo simulation codes. CoCrFeMnNiW demonstrated the highest elastic modulus (340.9 GPa), indicating significant mechanical robustness. The addition of W resulted in superior gamma-ray attenuation, with the lowest gamma-ray transmission factors and highest neutron shielding effectiveness among the studied alloys. The calculated mass attenuation coefficients and effective removal cross-sections values demonstrate the potential of these HEAs to provide effective radiation shielding. Our results showed a clear correlation between the elastic modulus and radiation attenuation properties, suggesting that mechanical stiffness does not compromise shielding capabilities. The comprehensive analysis of thermodynamic and structural parameters, including entropy of mixing, mixing enthalpy, and Valence Electron Concentration (VEC), provided essential insights into phase stability and microstructural characteristics. It can be concluded that CoCrFeMnNiW and its related Cantor HEAs as promising materials for advancing nuclear technology, offering a new horizon for safer and more efficient nuclear systems.

AtıfScopus9·OpenAlex13

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Basgoz, Oykum; Guler, Seval Hale; Guler, Omer; ALMisned, Ghada; Baykal, Duygu Sen; Kilic, G.; Tekin, H.O.

In this study, Al6061–Eu2O3 composites were fabricated via mechanical alloying and systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate structural and compositional features. The incorporation of Eu2O3 in varying weight percentages (1–20 wt%) was confirmed by XRD, revealing phase retention and crystallite refinement, while SEM–EDS analyses indicated uniform elemental distribution at low doping and localized clustering at higher reinforcement levels. Radiation shielding properties were comprehensively assessed through mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half value layer, effective atomic number, fast neutron removal cross section, buildup factors, and photon transmission factors. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between increasing Eu2O3 content and improved shielding performance. The E20 composite exhibited a mass attenuation coefficient of 22.33 cm2/g at 0.015 MeV, over threefold higher than the base alloy, and fast neutron removal cross section improved by 22.5 % compared to Al6061 alone. Additionally, EBF and EABF values decreased significantly, confirming reduced secondary photon build-up. These findings validate the effectiveness of Eu2O3 as a reinforcement phase for tailoring Al6061 for multifunctional applications, particularly in nuclear, aerospace, and radiological environments requiring lightweight materials with superior gamma and neutron attenuation.

AtıfScopus1·OpenAlex1

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ALMisned, Ghada; Güler, Ömer; Özkul, İskender; Baykal, Duygu Sen; Alkarrani, Hessa; Kilic, G.; Mesbahi, A.; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the radiation shielding properties of aluminum-based superalloy high-entropy alloys (HEAs) for potential use in advanced nuclear reactor applications. These HEAs, composed of five or more metals in equimolar or near-equimolar ratios, were evaluated for their thermodynamic stability, mechanical strength, and radiation attenuation capabilities. Key parameters such as entropy of mixing (ΔSmix), enthalpy of mixing (ΔHmix), valence electron concentration (VEC), and atomic size difference (δ) were analyzed. Radiation shielding properties, including mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), and exposure buildup factor (EBF), were assessed using various simulations. Alloy 12, with its superior MAC, lowest HVL, and high ΣR value, demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in gamma and neutron attenuation. These findings underscore the potential of aluminum-based HEAs, particularly Alloy 12, to enhance the operational capabilities and longevity of nuclear reactors, paving the way for the development of next-generation materials for high-radiation environments.

İncele

Kilic, G.; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Durmus, Hasan; Güler, Ömer; Birdogan, Selcuk; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

This study investigates the incorporation of Pr6O11 nanoparticles into lithium borotellurite glass matrices to enhance their mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Glass compositions, synthesized with varying Pr6O11 concentrations from 0 to 8 mol%, exhibited increasing densities from 4.00783 g cm−3 to 4.94440 g cm−3 and reduced molar volumes, confirming nanoparticle-induced densification. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed amorphous structures with shifts in the hollow band indicating compact network rearrangements. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses confirmed homogeneous Pr distribution up to 6 mol%, with clustering observed in 8 mol% samples. Vickers’ microhardness values progressively increased, highlighting enhanced mechanical strength due to reduced non-bridging oxygen ions and network cross-linking. Gamma-ray shielding experiments demonstrated superior performance of the 8 mol% sample (Pr8), with the highest mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, and reduced half-value layer. Neutron attenuation assessments further confirmed improved shielding capabilities, with Pr8 achieving the highest effective removal cross-section. In conclusion, Pr6O11-doped lithium borotellurite glasses demonstrate significant potential for advanced radiation shielding applications.

AtıfScopus10·OpenAlex11

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Kalay, Ece; Özkul, İskender; Karaduman, Oktay; Kızılgün, Yasin; Güler, Ömer; Canbay, Canan Aksu; Kilic, G.; Baykal, Duygu Sen; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

This study systematically investigates the effect of Ce addition on the thermal, structural, and radiation shielding properties of CuAlMn-based high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs). Among the different compositions, Ce-III demonstrated the most balanced performance, exhibiting optimized phase transformation behavior, microstructural refinement, and enhanced gamma-ray attenuation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that Ce-III exhibited lower transformation temperatures, with austenite start (As) and finish (Af) temperatures of 378.13 °C and 429.75 °C, respectively, and martensite start (Ms) and finish (Mf) temperatures of 402.52 °C and 341.91 °C, suggesting improved thermal stability. Microstructural analysis indicated significant grain refinement, attributed to Ce's dislocation pinning effect, which contributed to enhanced strength and radiation attenuation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of Ce-rich intermetallic phases, such as Mn1.15Cu3.85Ce and Cu8Ce4, which increased density and photon interaction probability. The Ce-III alloy exhibited superior linear attenuation coefficients and reduced half-value layer, reinforcing its effectiveness as a radiation shielding material. It can be concluded that Ce-III represents an optimal composition with a synergistic combination of structural stability, phase transformation control, and enhanced radiation shielding capabilities, making it a promising candidate for nuclear and high-radiation applications.

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ALMisned, Ghada; Guler, Omer; Ozkul, Iskender; Sen Baykal, Duygu; Alkarrani, Hessa; Kilic, G.; Mesbahi, A.; Tekin, H.O.

To qualify for nuclear applications, materials must meet specific criteria, including mechanical properties, high-temperature behavior, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature oxidation resistance. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are particularly suitable for these applications due to their unique properties. Consequently, we conducted a theoretical and simulation-based approaches to assess some critical properties including radiation shielding properties of some quinary FeNiCoCr HEAs. In this study, we focused on quinary FeNiCoCr HEAs, whose corrosion properties have been previously examined in the literature. We investigated the thermodynamic and radiation shielding properties of HEAs with sixteen different compositions. Our methodology included evaluating thermodynamic parameters such as Mixing Entropy (∆Smix) and Mixing Enthalpy (∆Hmix), as well as structural characteristics like Valence Electron Concentration (VEC) and Atomic Size Difference (δ). This allowed us to systematically deduce the phase behavior and stability of various HEAs. Through computational modeling, we assessed the radiation shielding capabilities of these alloys, particularly their effectiveness in attenuating gamma ray and fast neutrons. The results identified FeNiCoCrW as the alloy with the lowest fast neutron removal cross-section values, highlighting its potential for nuclear applications. Its high melting point and the synergistic interplay between its elemental composition and thermodynamic properties suggest broad applicability in extreme environments. Thus, FeNiCoCrW emerges as a promising HEA with multifunctional capabilities, warranting further exploration and potential integration into advanced engineering solutions.

AtıfScopus8·OpenAlex10

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ALMisned, Ghada; Guler, Omer; Sen Baykal, Duygu; Kilic, G.; Tekin, H.O.

Titanium alloys play a vital role in optimizing the effectiveness and security of nuclear reactors, strengthening structural durability, and facilitating the effective handling of nuclear waste. The aim of this study is to investigate the gamma-ray, neutron, and transmission properties of four common titanium alloys through the examination of the deposited energy amount in the liquid sodium coolant material, in relation to the mechanical properties of these alloys. MCNP (version 6.3) is utilized for designing the titanium pipes. Next, the pipes were re-designed considering the elemental mass fractions and densities of the investigated titanium alloys. Grade 26 sample is reported with the highest values of mass attenuation coefficients and the lowest HVL values among those investigated alloys. Grade 26 is reported to have the lowest TF value, whereas Grade 12 demonstrated the highest TF value. The highest Effective Removal Cross Section (ΣR, 1/cm) value against fast neutrons is reported for Grade 26. The utilization of Grade 26 sample as pipe material resulted in the lowest deposited energy amount (MeV/g) and subsequent lowest contamination in the coolant material. Out of the alloys that were chosen for analysis, it has been determined that Grade 26 exhibits the highest level of strength. It can be concluded that the Grade 26 alloy exhibits desirable characteristics for applications in nuclear technologies that require superior gamma-ray and neutron absorption properties, as well as exceptional mechanical properties. Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize the importance for ongoing studies to enhance the existing material properties of Grade 26, with the aim of achieving improved safety and efficacy in nuclear applications.

AtıfScopus11·OpenAlex11

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Güler, Ömer; Kilic, G.; Kavaz, E.; Ilik, E.; Guler, Seval Hale; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

Many oxide additives have historically been used to enhance the radiation shielding properties of glasses, yet the potential of high-entropy oxides (HEOs), which have gained popularity in material science for their unique properties, has not been explored in this context. This study is the first to investigate the radiation shielding capabilities of Zinc-Tellurite glass infused with High Entropy Oxide (HEO), specifically utilizing the novel attributes of a synthesized TiZrNbHfTa. In this study, the nuclear shielding properties of newly fabricated Zinc-Tellurite glasses doped with TiZrNbHfTaOx with a composition (25ZnO·75TeO2)100-x. (TiZrNbHfTaOx)x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mol%) were studied. Through the synthesis of a TiZrNbHfTa HEA and its integration into glass structure, we have developed a series of novel materials with enhanced protective properties against both gamma-ray and neutron radiation. Experimental results demonstrate that the HEO-infused glass, particularly the HEC1-4 composition, significantly surpasses traditional shielding materials in neutron attenuation, evidenced by its superior effective neutron removal cross-section. Additionally, the HEC1-4 glass demonstrates improved gamma-ray shielding capabilities, with increased mass attenuation coefficients and decreased half-value layers, indicating a higher capacity for photon interaction and absorption. It can be concluded that the incorporation of High Entropy Alloys into glass matrices not only opens a new frontier in radiation shielding materials but also provides a versatile and effective solution with considerable potential for enhancing safety measures in radiation-prone environments.

AtıfScopus6·OpenAlex5

İncele

Kilic, G.; Güler, Ömer; Kavaz, E.; Ilik, E.; Guler, Seval Hale; ALMisned, Ghada; Tekin, H.O.

While numerous oxide additives have traditionally been employed to enhance the radiation shielding capabilities of glasses, the unique attributes of high-entropy oxides (HEOs), a group of materials acclaimed in contemporary material science for their distinctive properties have remained unexamined in this specific area. This novel study explores the enhancement of radiation shielding properties in zinc-tellurite glasses through the integration of TiNbWMoZrOx High Entropy Oxides (HEO). Utilizing advanced synthesis techniques, including mechanical alloying and oxidation, the research successfully incorporates HEOs into glass matrices, aiming to improve gamma-ray and neutron attenuation. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the uniform distribution and structural integrity of the HEOs within the glasses. The synthesis of glass samples with a base structure suitable for the molar composition of 25ZnO.75TeO2 (mol%) and glass samples doped with TiNbWMoZrOx (HEO) was carried out using the traditional high-temperature melting and annealing method. The outcomes demonstrate a concentration-dependent increase in shielding efficacy, particularly highlighting the superior performance of glasses doped with 4 mol% of TiNbWMoZrOx (HEC2–4), which exhibit significantly enhanced mass attenuation coefficients, lower half-value layers, and higher effective atomic numbers. This indicates the effective role of HEOs in boosting radiation protection capabilities. Comparative analysis with traditional shielding materials showcases the HEC2–4 glasses' competitive advantage, underlining their potential as a versatile shielding solution. It can be concluded that incorporating TiNbWMoZrOx high entropy oxides into zinc-tellurite glasses significantly augments their radiation shielding properties, offering a novel approach for enhancing protection against gamma-ray and neutron in various applications.

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