Graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced high entropy alloys (HEAs) through B4C incorporation: structural, physical, mechanical, and nuclear shielding properties

Abstract

This study aims to explicate the diverse roles of high entropy alloys within nuclear environments. The study extensively investigates the impact of B4C on the structural, physical, mechanical, and nuclear shielding properties of synthesized high-entropy alloys (HEAs) comprising FeNiCoCrW, GNP, and B4C. The aim is to explore the monotonic effects of B4C on the behavioural changes of the HEAs. The present study initially investigates the internal morphology and structural characteristics of the produced composites through the utilization of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The determination of coefficient of friction values is obtained via wear testing, wherein the values are measured as a function of the sliding distance. The shielding properties of nuclear radiation are determined through the experimental setups for gamma-ray and neutron radiation. The sample encoded as G2, which incorporates both B4C and GNPs as reinforcing agents, exhibits the most noteworthy mechanical properties among the samples that were examined. The findings of our study indicate that augmenting the concentration of B4C has a significant impact on the efficacy of nuclear radiation shielding. The present study infers that the B4C produced within the framework of GNPs plays a significant role in enhancing the overall characteristics of HEAs. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of nuclear applications, where HEAs are being examined as a prospective constituent of forthcoming nuclear reactors. Moreover, B4C serves as a versatile instrument in scenarios, where there is a need to enhance mechanical and nuclear shielding properties across a spectrum of radiation energies.