High-performance gamma radiation shielding in tungsten carbide reinforced magnesium composites

The radiation shielding capabilities of magnesium-matrix composites, reinforced with varying weight ratios of tungsten carbide (WC), were systematically evaluated in this study. Gamma ray transmission measurements were performed for four different composite series (Mg–5ZrO<inf>2</inf>–5WC, Mg–5ZrO<inf>2</inf>–10WC, Mg–5ZrO<inf>2</inf>–20WC and Mg–5ZrO<inf>2</inf>–30WC) by employing a¹³³Ba source at photon energies ranging from 81 to 383 keV. Experimental measurements were carried out using a Canberra Ultra High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector to determine the transmitted photon intensities. Shielding parameters, including the linear attenuation coefficient (μ, cm⁻¹), mass attenuation coefficient (μ<inf>ρ</inf>, cm²/g), half-value layer (Δ<inf>0</inf>.<inf>5</inf>, cm), mean free path (λ, cm), and effective atomic number (Z<inf>eff</inf>), were empirically determined and theoretically calculated. At 81 keV, the linear attenuation coefficient increased from 1.0809 cm⁻¹ for M1 to 5.20 cm⁻¹ for M4, corresponding to an improvement of approximately 380% with increasing WC content. At 383 keV, the HVL decreased from approximately 3.8 cm for M1 to 2.4 cm for M4, clearly demonstrating the significant improvement in shielding performance with increasing WC content. The discrepancy between experimental and EpiXS calculations remained below 4%, confirming the high reliability of the experimental measurements. In conclusion, tungsten carbide-reinforced magnesium composites offer a high performance and sustainable alternative to conventional lead-based shielding systems. Due to their gamma attenuation properties, environmental compatibility, reduced mass, and lower toxicity, magnesium-based composites are considered promising candidates for radiation shielding.