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Tailoring intermetallics via cellular boundary enables strong yet ductile property: An example in Gd-enriched neutron shielding alloys

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gd is a highly effective element for neutron shielding, but its minimal solubility promotes Gd-rich intermetallics that degrade alloy properties if not properly controlled. This study introduces an innovative approach to refine these intermetallics to a sub-micron scale and achieve a uniform distribution by leveraging the cellular boundaries formed during laser powder bed fusion. These cellular boundaries, combined with the tailored intermetallics, act as “modulators” that effectively impede plastic deformation while permitting dislocation motion, resulting in a satisfying strength-ductility synergy. The findings offer a promising direction for incorporating elements with low solubility but functional properties by tailoring intermetallics through cellular boundary engineering.

Source: Scripta Materialia

DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116759

Authors: Kunlei Hou, Suyun He, Boxin Wei, Luqing Cui, Yihu Zang, Peng Zhao, Tian Liang, Guangcai Ma, Yingche Ma

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Metal Research, Hebei University of Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, University of California, Irvine

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,220

OpenAlex ID: W4410359674

FWCI: 0.884

Cites: 34

Cited by: 3

Related to: 10