High-performance lead-reduced bismuth-based alloys: Structural, mechanical, and radiation shielding synergy via rapid quenching

Mohamed Saad; Nadiah Almohiy; Hussain Almohiy; Abdelmoneim Saleh; Rizk Shalaby; Mohamed Saad; Nadiah Almohiy; Hussain Almohiy; Abdelmoneim Saleh; Rizk Shalaby

doi:10.3934/matersci.2025053

AIMS Materials Science

2025, Volume 12, Issue 6: 1126-1152. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025053

Previous Article Next Article

Research article

High-performance lead-reduced bismuth-based alloys: Structural, mechanical, and radiation shielding synergy via rapid quenching

1.
Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
2.
Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Imaging, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
3.
Basic Science Department, Higher Technological Institute, 10^th of Ramadan City, 228, Egypt
4.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
5.
Applied Materials and Metal Physics Research Laboratory, Physics department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Received: 05 September 2025 Revised: 01 November 2025 Accepted: 12 November 2025 Published: 27 November 2025

This study investigated the structural, mechanical, and ionizing-radiation shielding properties of Bi-based binary and ternary alloys (Bi–Pb–Sn) synthesized via rapid quenching using a melt-spinning technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline phase formation with reduced grain sizes, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed homogeneity in the microstructure. Mechanical testing showed that the Bi-5Pb35Sn alloy achieved the highest microhardness of 50.4 H_V, tensile strength of 126 MPa, and Young's modulus of 20.8 GPa, indicating enhanced resistance to premature fracture. Radiation shielding characteristics were evaluated using both MCNP5 simulation and WinXCOM software across photon energies of 0.015–15 MeV. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of the optimized alloy reached 1.22 cm²/g at 0.06 MeV, with a corresponding half-value layer (HVL) of 0.56 cm, and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) exceeding 94.8%. The effective atomic number (Z_eff) ranged from 44.7 to 61.2 depending on photon energy, and relative deviation between MCNP5 and XCOM results remained below 4%, confirming the model's accuracy. Furthermore, the Bi-40Pb alloy also had superior neutron shielding properties (0.109 cm⁻¹) in comparison to typical neutron protecting materials, but Bi-50Sn had a comparatively higher ∑_R value. The incorporation of Sn significantly enhanced both mechanical integrity and shielding performance. These findings position the Bi40Pb10Sn50 alloy as a promising lead-reduced material with superior radiological and mechanical characteristics. Its performance supports its potential for practical applications in medical diagnostics, nuclear facility shielding, and radiation-safe industrial design, aligning with the need for efficient, non-toxic, and regulation-compliant shielding materials.
- mechanical characteristics,
- Bi-based alloys,
- MCNP,
- radiation protection,
- microstructure,
- microhardness
Citation: Mohamed Saad, Nadiah Almohiy, Hussain Almohiy, Abdelmoneim Saleh, Rizk Shalaby. High-performance lead-reduced bismuth-based alloys: Structural, mechanical, and radiation shielding synergy via rapid quenching[J]. AIMS Materials Science, 2025, 12(6): 1126-1152. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025053

Related Papers:

Abstract

This study investigated the structural, mechanical, and ionizing-radiation shielding properties of Bi-based binary and ternary alloys (Bi–Pb–Sn) synthesized via rapid quenching using a melt-spinning technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline phase formation with reduced grain sizes, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed homogeneity in the microstructure. Mechanical testing showed that the Bi-5Pb35Sn alloy achieved the highest microhardness of 50.4 H_V, tensile strength of 126 MPa, and Young's modulus of 20.8 GPa, indicating enhanced resistance to premature fracture. Radiation shielding characteristics were evaluated using both MCNP5 simulation and WinXCOM software across photon energies of 0.015–15 MeV. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of the optimized alloy reached 1.22 cm²/g at 0.06 MeV, with a corresponding half-value layer (HVL) of 0.56 cm, and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) exceeding 94.8%. The effective atomic number (Z_eff) ranged from 44.7 to 61.2 depending on photon energy, and relative deviation between MCNP5 and XCOM results remained below 4%, confirming the model's accuracy. Furthermore, the Bi-40Pb alloy also had superior neutron shielding properties (0.109 cm⁻¹) in comparison to typical neutron protecting materials, but Bi-50Sn had a comparatively higher ∑_R value. The incorporation of Sn significantly enhanced both mechanical integrity and shielding performance. These findings position the Bi40Pb10Sn50 alloy as a promising lead-reduced material with superior radiological and mechanical characteristics. Its performance supports its potential for practical applications in medical diagnostics, nuclear facility shielding, and radiation-safe industrial design, aligning with the need for efficient, non-toxic, and regulation-compliant shielding materials.

References

[1]	Abdelhakim NA, Saleh A, Mitwalli M, et al. (2025) A good balance between the efficiency of ionizing radiation shielding and mechanical performance of various tin-based alloys: Comparative analysis. Radiat Phys Chem 226: 112155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.112155 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.112155
[2]	Adib M, Habib N, Bashter I, et al. (2011) Neutron transmission through pyrolytic graphite crystal Ⅱ. Ann Nuc Energy 38: 802–807. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2010.11.018 doi: 10.1016/j.anucene.2010.11.018
[3]	Adib M, Habib N, Bashter II, et al. (2013) 2 keV filters of quasi-mono-energetic neutrons. Yad Fyiz Energ 15: 419–425. https://doi.org/10.15407/jnpae2014.04.419 doi: 10.15407/jnpae2014.04.419
[4]	Adib M, Habib N, Bashter I, et al. (2013) Neutron characteristics of single-crystal magnesium fluoride, Ann Nuc Energy 60: 163–171. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2013.04.024 doi: 10.1016/j.anucene.2013.04.024
[5]	Sayyed MI, Saleh A, Kumar A, et al. (2024) Experimental examination on physical and radiation shielding features of boro-silicate glasses doped with varying amounts of BaO. Nucl Eng Technol 56: 3378–3384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2024.03.038 doi: 10.1016/j.net.2024.03.038
[6]	Adib M, Habib N, Bashter I, et al. (2011) MgO single-crystal as an efficient thermal neutron filter. Ann Nuc Energy 38: 2673–2679. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2011.08.001 doi: 10.1016/j.anucene.2011.08.001
[7]	Shahboub A, Saleh A, Hassan AK, et al. (2023) EPR studies and radiation shielding properties of silver aluminum phosphate glasses. Appl Phys A 129: 410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-023-06681-3 doi: 10.1007/s00339-023-06681-3
[8]	Saleh A, Tajudin SM, Algethami M, et al. (2026) Optimizing the integration between radiation protection, optical, and mechanical strength for advanced nuclear safety applications using tungsten-doped bismuth borate glasses. Radiat Phys Chem 238: 113216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113216 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113216
[9]	Saleh A, Sayyed M, Anjan K, et al. (2024) Synthesis and gamma-ray shielding efficiency of borosilicate glasses doped with zinc oxide: Comparative study. Silicon 16: 4427–4435. http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3925330/v1 doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3925330/v1
[10]	Abd-Elkader OH, Nasrallah M, Nasrallah M, et al. (2024) Rapid fabrication, magnetic, and radiation shielding characteristics of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. Opt Mater Express 14: 1170–1185. https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.521679 doi: 10.1364/OME.521679
[11]	Saleh A, Anastasiia K, Basfer N, et al. (2025) Comprehensive examination of synthesis, microstructure, and radiation shielding effectiveness of multi-layered polymeric GNP-nanocomposites. Rad Phys Chem 237: 113078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113078 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113078
[12]	Agar O, Sayyed MI, Akman F, et al. (2019) An extensive investigation on gamma ray shielding features of Pd/Agbased alloys. Nucl Eng Technol 51: 853–859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2018.12.014 doi: 10.1016/j.net.2018.12.014
[13]	Ahmed M, Mohamed M, Abdelghany A (2024) Radiation shielding performance and environmental safety of Bi₂O₃-modified borate glasses. J Environ Chem Eng 12: 114693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.114693 doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.114693
[14]	Shaban N, El-Kameesy A, El-Mellegy G (2024) Comparative assessment of Bi₂O₃ and barite concretes as lead-free shielding building materials. Constr Build Mater 422: 137003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137003 doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137003
[15]	El-Khodary A, Abdelmonem M, Yousef A, et al. (2024) Mechanical and radiological characterization of Bi-based glass systems for shielding applications. J Build Eng 92: 110496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110496 doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110496
[16]	Farag L, El-Desoky M, Abdelghany A (2025) Environmental and shielding performance of Bi₂O₃–BaO–B₂O₃ glasses as Pb-free radiation shielding materials. Rad Phys Chem 210: 113015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113015 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113015
[17]	Al-Abbas S, Al-Furaiji M, Mebdir H, et al. (2021) Development and characterization of Bi–Sn–Zn ternary alloy for radiation shielding applications. J Alloys Compd 861: 158637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.161451 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.161451
[18]	Shahid M, Ali A, Khan F, et al. (2018) A comparative study of Bi–Sn and A–Pb alloys for gamma shielding. J Alloys Compd 735: 1396–1404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.03.288 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.03.288
[19]	Ryu H, Lee S, Lim D, et al. (2018) Flexible X-ray shielding material based on bismuth-oxide–epoxy composites for medical imaging applications. ACS Appl Energy Mater 1: 976–984. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.8b00179 doi: 10.1021/acsaem.8b00179
[20]	Mostafa A, El-Azab M, Mahmoud S (2017) Structural and gamma ray shielding properties of bismuth oxide-borosilicate glass composites. J Alloys Compd 729: 1180–1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.11.329 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.11.329
[21]	Mahdy M, Ali M, Al-Ghamdi A, et al. (2024) Effect of Bi₂O₃ addition on optical, structural, and shielding parameters of tellurite glasses. J Mater Res Technol 29: 4994–5007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.04.138 doi: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.04.138
[22]	Chen Y, Wang L, Zhou W, et al. (2025) Preparation of flexible composite with bismuth-based fillers for X-ray and EMI shielding. Sens Actuators A Phys 356: 116229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2025.116229 doi: 10.1016/j.sna.2025.116229
[23]	Chandra S, Ramana B, Gopal V (2023) Structure and radiation attenuation properties of Bi-containing polymer nanocomposites. RSC Adv 13: 25031–25044. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ra04509a doi: 10.1039/d3ra04509a
[24]	Saleh A, Hussain A, Rizk M, et al. (2024) Comprehensive investigation on physical, structural, mechanical and nuclear shielding features against X/gamma-rays, neutron, proton and alpha particles of various binary alloys. Rad Phys Chem 216: 111443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111443 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111443
[25]	Saleh A, Rizk M, Abdelhakim A (2022) Comprehensive study on structure, mechanical and nuclear shielding properties of lead-free Sn–Zn–Bi alloys as a powerful radiation and neutron shielding material. Rad Phys Chem 195: 110065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110065. doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110065
[26]	Deghady AM, Tayel A, Saleh A, et al. (2022) Effect of 0.3 wt% TiO₂ nanoparticles on the thermal, structural, and mechanical properties of Sn_3.8Ag_0.7Cu_1.0Zn solder alloy. Phys Scr 97: 105709. https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/ac90fb doi: 10.1088/1402-4896/ac90fb
[27]	Abdelhakim N, Shalaby R, Kamal M (2018) A study of structure, thermal and mechanical properties of free machining Al-Zn-Sn-Bi alloys rapidly solidified from molten state. World J Eng Technol 6: 637–650. https://doi.org/10.4236/wjet.2018.63040 doi: 10.4236/wjet.2018.63040
[28]	Saad, G, Fawzy SA, Fawzy A, et al. (2010) Deformation characteristics of Al-4043 alloy. Mater Sci Eng A 527: 904–910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2009.09.018 doi: 10.1016/j.msea.2009.09.018
[29]	Abdelmonem AM, Soliman M, Saleh A (2026) Investigation of some radiation protection properties of borate glasses system doped with different percentages of PbO. Radiat Phys Chem 239: 113396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113396 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113396
[30]	Alshihri AA, Saad M, Almohiy H, et al. (2026) Comparative study of improving the mechanical, structural, and simulated ionized radiation shielding properties of bismuth-reinforced tin-based alloys. Radiat Phys Chem 240: 113405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113405 doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113405
[31]	Alharbiy N, Khattari ZY, Rammah YS, et al. (2023) Role of Al₂O₃, WO₃, Nb₂O₅, and PbO on the physical, elasto-mechanical and radiation attenuation performance of borotellurite glasses. J Mater Sci Mater Electron 34: 191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-022-09604-9 doi: 10.1007/s10854-022-09604-9
[32]	Shahboub A, El Damrawi G, Saleh A (2021) A new focus on the role of iron oxide in enhancing the structure and shielding properties of Ag₂O–P₂O₅ glasses Eur Phys J Plus 136: 947. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01948-1 doi: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01948-1
[33]	Li Z, Chen L, Chang F, et al. (2022) Synthesis, microstructure and properties of Ti(C, N)- (HfZrTaNbTi)C₅-HEA high-entropy cermets by high-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering. Ceram Int 48: 30826–30837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.07.036 doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.07.036
[34]	Kavak S, Bayrak KG, Bellek M, et al. (2022) Synthesis and characterization of (HfMoTiWZr)C high entropy carbide ceramics. Ceram Int 48: 7695–7705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.11.317 doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.11.317
[35]	Peyrouzet F, Hachet D, Soulas R, et al. (2020) Correction to: Selective laser melting of Al_0.3CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy: Printability, microstructure, and mechanical properties. JOM 72: 3705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-020-04149-w doi: 10.1007/s11837-020-04149-w

Reader Comments

Your name:*

Email:*
© 2025 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)