Effects of Trace Rare Earth (TRE) Additions on Thermal, Crystal Structure, and Radiation Shielding Properties of CuAlMn High-Temperature S-M Alloys: A closer look at Cerium effect

Kalay E., Özkul İ., Karaduman O., Kızılgün Y., Güler Ö., Canbay C. A., ...Daha Fazla

RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, cilt.234, ss.1-11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 234
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112811
  • Dergi Adı: RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-11
  • Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

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.