Microstructural and radioactive shielding analyses of Alumix-231 and Alumix-231 reinforced with B4C/SiC/ Al2O3 particle produced through hot pressing

In this thesis, Al2O3, SiC and B4C particle reinforced composite materials with Alumix 231 matrix and Alumix-231 blocks without reinforcement elements were produced using powder metallurgy method. In the production of composite material, Alumix-231 used as matrix material and 10% by weight of reinforcement element Al2O3, SiC and B4C ceramic particles were used separately. The reinforcement element and matrix powders were mixed in a 3D mixer for 30 minutes. Powder metal block samples were obtained by pressing the mixed powders under uniaxial pressure. Density values of the produced samples were determined by using Archimedes principle. Optical microscope, SEM and EDS analyzes of the produced composite materials were carried out. The radiation shielding properties of composite materials and Alumix-231 not containing reinforcement elements were investigated theoretically using the the PSD software, and experimentally using Co-60 and Cs-137 radiation sources. The experimental and theoretical results for these materials were compared with each other. As a result of the theoretical and experimental calculations, it was determined that Alumix-231+10% B4C composite material has the lowest shielding property against gamma radiation, while Alumix-231+10% Al2O3 composite material has the highest shielding property against gamma radiation.