Exploring the synergy between mechanical and radiation shielding properties in Ni–Ti–Hf shape memory alloys

• Published in: Bulletin of materials science Vol. 48; no. 3; p. 94
• Main Author: Khattari, Z Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bangalore Indian Academy of Sciences 19.07.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Alloys; Attenuation coefficients; Chemistry and Materials Science; Engineering; Gamma rays; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Nuclear energy; Nuclear power plants; Optimization; Plastic deformation; Radiation; Radiation shielding; Ratios; Shape memory alloys; Temperature; Thermal cycling; Trends; shape memory alloys; mechanical properties; Ni–Ti–Hf alloys; γ-ray shielding; LAC
• ISSN: 0973-7669; 0250-4707; 0973-7669
• DOI: 10.1007/s12034-025-03453-y

This study investigates γ-ray shielding properties of Ni–Ti–Hf shape memory alloys under uniaxial tension, correlating their mechanical properties with linear attenuation coefficients (LAC). We evaluated LAC (cm –1 ) values across various photon energies ( E (MeV)), Ti:Hf ratio and APF, revealing an increase in LAC as ( E , Ti:Hf, APF, LAC): (0.1, 2:3, 0.70, 32.5) to (0.1, 0:5, 0.74, 49.8) for samples subject to maximum deformation. The mechanical properties were also found to correlate very well with the γ-rays attenuation under optimal conditions. Notably, the plastic deformation of the alloys was found to enhance radiation shielding performance, with a significant reduction in γ-ray transmission (e.g., LAC = 1520 cm –1 ) observed in samples with higher mass recovery (e.g., 120%) rates post-deformation. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining alloy density and optimizing mechanical properties for effective radiation shielding in practical applications.