Effect of Particle Size of W-Brass Composite on Gamma-Ray Absorption Coefficient

Abstract

In this study, the dependence of gamma-ray absorption coefficient on amount and particle size of tungsten (W) in W-brass sintered compacts was investigated. To attain this goal, two sets of different W wt. % were prepared (W 65wt. %, W75wt. % and W85 wt. %). One set has compacts of as received powder and the other set has compacts of ball milled powder. The results showed that gamma-ray attenuation coefficient is inversely proportional to the particle size of the tested sintered compacts and directly proportional to the W content. Vickers microhardness, attenuation properties and microstructural characterization were carried out on the sintered samples. The attenuation test was conducted using gamma spectrometer with Genie 200 software. The samples of ball milled powder and of the highest volume fraction of W showed the highest hardness and attenuation values.