Metal-Ceramic Nanocomosite for Radiation Shielding of Electronics

Full dense llightweight nanostructured metal-ceramic composite has been developed for the purpose of radiation shielding of electronic components exposed to radiation flows of electrons, ions, γ-rays, neutrons. The composite consisted of AMg6 (77.9 vol%) +B₄C (18.8 vol%)+W (3.3 vol%) was sintered by the SPS method up to 100% density at 490°C / 40 MPa. The microhardness of this composite was 419.9 HV; Young modulus was 98620 N/mm²; creep under indentation was 1.45%. The attenuation coefficient of the developed composite for γ-rays was 1.34 times more in comparison with the pure AMg6 alloy; the attenuation coefficient for thermal and superthermal neutrons was 2.2 times more.