Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study investigates the radiation shielding properties of Ni-B composite coatings reinforced with silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles, fabricated via galvanostatic electrodeposition on 304L stainless steel substrates with SiO2 volume fractions ranging from 5.51% to 27.44%. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful incorporation of SiO2 without secondary phase formation, while field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform dispersion at lower SiO2 fractions and mild agglomeration at higher concentrations. Radiation shielding efficiency was evaluated against alpha (Am-241), beta (Sr-90), and gamma (Co-60) radiation sources, showing increased absorption rates with higher SiO2 content. Maximum absorption values of 6.1%, 4.8%, and 5.3% were achieved for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, respectively, at the highest SiO2 fraction. Experimental results were corroborated by theoretical simulations using SRIM and ESTAR, highlighting the enhanced interaction of radiation with SiO2-reinforced coatings. Comparative analysis with Ni-B/hBN coatings indicated that while hBN excels in specific radiation environments, Ni-B/SiO2 coatings offer consistent absorption trends, superior gamma-ray shielding, and greater mechanical durability. The role of electrodeposition additives in achieving uniform dispersion and optimizing coating properties was also emphasized. These findings establish Ni-B/SiO2 coatings as a cost-effective, versatile solution for radiation protection, particularly in gamma-rich environments. Future work should focus on hybrid reinforcement strategies, optimizing additive combinations, and long-term mechanical testing to expand their industrial applications.