Harnessing zirconia and boron synergy: A novel pathway to superior radiation shielding materials

This pioneering work presents a novel approach for manufacturing B-doped ZrO₂, creating in-situ ZrB₂O₅ within the ZrO₂ matrix. A cost-effective hydrothermal synthesis using zircon mineral yields a material with exceptional radiation shielding properties. Incorporating B into the ZrO₂ lattice combines ZrO₂'s gamma attenuation with B's neutron shielding against ionizing radiation. XRD, SEM, and EDX characterization revealed structural properties, phase compositions, and elemental distributions. Monte Carlo simulation and XCOM theoretical modeling investigated B atoms' role in shielding parameters across 0.0332–2.506 MeV γ-ray energies. Results show increased B concentration slightly decreases shielding properties while enhancing mechanical properties including crystallite size, lattice distortions, and dislocation density. B concentration increases from 2.1 to 5.4 wt% decrease LAC values to 65.959–58.613 cm-1 (0.0332 MeV), 0.464–0.461 cm-1 (0.511 MeV), and 0.208–0.270 cm-1 (2.506 MeV). B concentration up to 5.4 wt% enhances mechanical properties without significantly affecting radiation shielding, especially at intermediate energies.