Newswise — High-energy cosmic radiation damages cells and DNA, inflicting most cancers, and secondary neutrons- generated particularly from the planetary surfaces,- could be as much as 20 instances extra dangerous than different radiations. Aluminum, probably the most extensively used shielding materials, has the disadvantage of producing extra secondary neutrons when under a sure thickness. Consequently, ‘boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs)’, that are light-weight, robust, and possess wonderful neutron shielding capabilities, are rising as a promising different. BNNTs are ultrafine tubular solely about 5 nanometers in diameter-roughly 1/20,000 the thickness of a human hair-making them extraordinarily gentle and robust, with wonderful thermal neutron absorption functionality. However, attributable to limitations in fabrication expertise, they’ve up to now solely been produced into skinny & brittle sheet, limiting their sensible purposes.
The analysis workforce led by Dr. Jang SeGyu on the Functional Composite Materials Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Oh Sang-rok) and the analysis workforce led by Professor Choi Siyoung on the Department of Bio and Chemical Engineering of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, President Lee Kwang-hyung) introduced the event of a high-density BNNT protecting protect. This protect, created by densely-packed BNNTs, is strong, effectively conducts warmth, and successfully blocks cosmic radiation.
The analysis workforce developed a way that enables BNNTs to stay stably dispersed in water with out agglomeration by using a surfactant (dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid), a compound generally present in cleaning soap. This enabled the workforce to supply BNNTs in a high-concentration liquid crystal, during which the nanotube strands naturally align in a single route. Using the BNNT liquid crystal, the workforce fabricated BNNT movies with each excessive alignment and density. The ensuing BNNT movie exhibited over thrice increased density and roughly 3.7 instances improved neutron shielding efficiency in comparison with typical brittle BNNT sheet. In addition, It was versatile but robust, making it appropriate for utility in a wide range of structural programs.
Joint simulations performed with NASA confirmed that the BNNT movie demonstrated roughly 15% increased radiation shielding effectivity than aluminum on the identical mass thickness. In different phrases, its superiority as an area radiation shielding materials has been not directly verified. When utilized at an acceptable thickness, the BNNT movie can present radiation safety for lunar astronauts akin to the protection ranges of the International Space Station (ISS). This achievement may lengthen mission durations by as much as twofold, making it a key enabling expertise for future long-term area exploration and the development of lunar and Martian bases. Looking forward, BNNT movie might be utilized in light-weight spacecraft shielding constructions, protecting limitations for lunar and Martian bases, and high-performance spacesuit supplies. These purposes are anticipated to contribute considerably to the protection of human area actions and to strengthening technological competitiveness within the period of ‘New Space’.
Dr. Jang Se Gyu of KIST acknowledged, “This achievement marks a breakthrough in overcoming the manufacturing and processing limitations that have hindered the practical application of BNNT as a space radiation shield. It is particularly significant that we have greatly enhanced neutron shielding performance by maximizing the density and alignment of BNNTs. Given its mechanical strength and excellent thermal conductivity, BNNTs holds strong potential as a versatile, next-generation material for use not only in space applications, but also in aerospace, defense, and nuclear power facilities, as well as other advanced industries.”
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This analysis was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister Kim Jung-kwan), and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (Administrator Seok Jong-geon). It was performed as a part of KIST’s Institutional Program, the Nuclear R&D Project (RS-2025-02315930), the Future Public Safety Challenge Technology Development Project (RS-2023-00238902), ITECH R&D Program (2410000736), and the Defense Technology Institute Core Technology R&D Project (KRIT-CT-21-014). The analysis findings had been printed within the newest challenge of the worldwide journal Advanced Functional Materials (IF 19.0, high 4.5% in JCR).