Original Article

On β-titanium alloys: tailoring gamma-ray, and neutron transmission properties for nuclear and biomedical applications

¹ Department of Physics, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
² Istanbul Nisantasi University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Mechatronics Engineering, 34398 Istanbul, Turkey
³ Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
⁴ Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
⁵ Munzur University, Rare Earth Elements Application and Research Center, 62000 Tunceli, Turkey
⁶ Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, 26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
⁷ Independent researcher, South Morang, Melbourne, Australia
⁸ Istinye University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Computer Engineering Department, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
⁹ Department of Physics and Technical Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azarbaijan

^* e-mail: tekin765@gmail.com

Received: 22 April 2024
Accepted: 1 August 2024

Abstract

This study explores the gamma-ray and neutron transmission properties of β-Titanium alloys pivotal for their performance in nuclear and biomedical applications. Utilizing the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP 6.3) simulations, we analyzed a spectrum of Ti-based alloys modified with elements like molybdenum (Mo), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), and hafnium (Hf) to determine their radiation attenuation properties. Key parameters such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, exposure buildup factors, and fast neutron effective removal cross-section values were computed, revealing significant enhancements in attenuation with the addition of high-Z elements. Specifically, alloys like Ti50Hf50 and (TiZr)40Cu60 exhibited superior photon and fast neutron attenuation due to their high-Z constituents. For instance, Ti50Hf50 showed a mass attenuation coefficient of 0.217 cm²/g and a half-value layer of 2.97 cm at 0.1 MeV photon energy, while (TiZr)40Cu60 demonstrated similar performance with a mass attenuation coefficient of 0.198 cm²/g and a half-value layer of 3.26 cm. These alloys also exhibited effective neutron removal cross-section values of 0.115 cm⁻¹ and 0.130 cm⁻¹, respectively. Alloys with lower-Z elements showed less attenuation, which may be beneficial in scenarios requiring reduced radiographic contrast in biomedical applications. The MCNP outcomes were in strong agreement with standard data, affirming the accuracy of computational methods in predicting material behavior. In conclusion, tailored alloy development is crucial for improving radiation shielding and diagnostic visualization, with broader implications for patient safety and treatment efficacy.