Radiation interaction and attenuation behaviour of selected MAX phases: Insights into neutron, gamma-ray, and charged particle shielding

In the present investigations, the authors have used EpiXs, NGCal, and InChaP software to assess the shielding parameters for gamma-ray, neutron, and charged particles in specific MAX phase materials such as Ti₂AlC, Ti₂AlN, V₂AlC, Cr₂AlC, Nb₂AlC, Ta₂AlC, Ti₃SiC₂, and Ti₃AlC, against gamma radiation, neutrons, and charged particles. These materials are crucial for both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactors. At an energy level of 662 keV, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for Ta₂AlC is 0.09427 cm²/g, which is higher than ordinary concrete as well as glass, indicating that Ta₂AlC offers efficient protection against gamma rays. At 15 MeV, Ta₂AlC exhibits a lower HVL value compared to standard concrete and RS-523-G18, indicating that Ta₂AlC is the best attenuator of high-energy gamma radiations. Furthermore, Ta₂AlC demonstrates the highest Z_eff and Z_eq across the 1 keV to 15 MeV energy range, indicating superior shielding ability compared to the other materials. Additionally, Ti₂AlN exhibits a significant mass attenuation factor for thermal neutrons, whereas V₂AlC demonstrates a considerable MAF for fast neutrons. The Ti₃SiC₂, Ti₃AlC₂, Ti₂AlC, and Ti₂AlN show higher MSP for carbon, alpha particles, and protons across the energy spectrum of 0.01 to 1000 MeV.