Microstructures and properties of a multilayered Al/W composite fabricated for γ-ray-shielding applications

A novel lead-free, low-density, and multilayered Al/W composite was fabricated by spark plasma sintering, with potential applications in radioactive therapy and industrial detection shielding. The effects of preparation temperature on the γ-ray-shielding performance, interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al/W composites were comprehensively investigated. Continuous dual-layered intermetallic compounds of Al12W and Al5W were formed at the Al/W interface at 615 °C. The linear attenuation coefficient of the multilayered Al–20W composites increased by 27% compared to that of their powder-sintered equivalents. An optimal mass-attenuation coefficient was realized by the composite prepared at 610 °C, which was 157.4% that of Pb. The multilayered Al/W composite with excellent mechanical properties prepared in this study is an alternative to conventional Pb-based shielding materials, and the analyses presented herein enhance the understanding of multilayered composite.