Estimation of (n,p) (n,α) reaction cross-section for unstable ^59,63Ni nuclides

Stainless steel (SS) is used as a structural material having Fe, Ni, Cr as main constituents (in SS316 content of Fe∼65%, Ni∼12%, Cr∼17%). The neutron induced transmutation reactions with these elements in the initial SS composition leads to the formation of large numbers of radionuclide. Nowadays a considerable interest in the (n,p), (n,α) reaction cross-section for the radioactive isotopes in mass region 50-60 is shown. ⁵⁹Ni (t_½ = 8×10⁴ year) and ⁶³Ni (t_½ = 100.1 year) are two important radioisotopes of nickel not found in natural nickel but produced during the reactor operation via the pathways ⁵⁸Ni(n,γ)⁵⁹Ni, ⁶⁰Ni(n,2n)⁵⁹Ni and ⁶²Ni(n,γ)⁶³Ni, ⁶⁴Ni(n,2n)⁶³Ni, ⁶³Cu(n,p)⁶³Ni respectively. These radio nuclides have long half-lives and will contribute to nuclear waste. The neutron induced cross-section determination of these radio nuclides is important from fusion reactor point of view. The neutron induced reactions that produce gases are of at most importance. The generation of hydrogen and helium gases are mainly through (n,p) (n,n'p), (n,α), (n,n'α) reactions