Design and Characterization of Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Pr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-Enriched Inconel-718 Alloys for Nuclear Applications

ALBAYRAK M. G., Guler O., Guler S. H., EVİN E., Almisned G., Sen Baykal D., ...More

NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00295450.2025.2582993
  • Journal Name: NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study explores the physical, structural, and radiation shielding enhancements in Inconel 718 superalloys reinforced with 1 wt% Y2O3 and varying Pr2O3 contents from 0 to 10 wt%, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed preservation of the face-centered cubic structure, with increasing Pr2O3 inducing peak broadening and partial amorphization. The scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results verified the homogeneous dispersion of oxides without agglomeration. Gamma-ray shielding parameters, including the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer, and effective atomic number, significantly improved with higher Pr2O3 content, particularly at low to mid photon energies.The 718Y-10PO sample exhibited the lowest transmission factors and the highest MAC values across all the tested energies. Buildup factors decreased in the Pr-rich samples, confirming reduced photon scattering. Notably, the fast neutron removal cross section for 718Y-10PO as 0.15521 cm-1 exceeded the benchmark materials like graphite and B4C. These findings establish the 718Y-10PO alloy as a promising candidate for advanced nuclear shielding applications, combining structural integrity with promising gamma and neutron attenuation capabilities.