Russia creates material to protect spacecraft from radiation
The new composite is easily workable with tools, making it suitable for use in complex structures
Researchers at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), together with Russian colleagues, have developed a new highly efficient composite material to protect space equipment and astronauts from radiation, according to a report on the FEFU website.
In missions to explore deep space, it is necessary to address the problem of protecting the crew from cosmic radiation and the solar wind – streams of high-energy particles that are hazardous to human health and the operation of electronics. Cosmic radiation ionises the material of the spacecraft, which leads to secondary radiation inside its hull, scientists explain. For combined protection, scatterers made of “light” materials with a high hydrogen content can be used, while heavy metals or composites based on them can weaken and absorb photon radiation, the researchers note.
The aim of the scientists was to create a material that would be not only effective but also economically viable for large-scale use in the space industry.
“We propose ceramic-metal composites of the LaB6-Al-Mg system, sintered using advanced pulsed plasma sintering technology,” said the head of the study, Oleg Shichalin.
The innovative material has high density and outstanding proton-absorbing capability. The best results in radiation protection were shown by a composition with 50 per cent content of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆). Even a thin layer of the material can effectively shield metals. In addition, the composite is easily processed using conventional tools, allowing the production of complex parts for spacecraft structures.
It is noted that the development is being carried out within the framework of strategic directions in the development of Russian space science and technology, aimed at ensuring long-duration manned flights, including projects for the exploration of cislunar space.
Scientists from Sakhalin State University (SakhSU), Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) and the I. V. Tananaev Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Rare Elements and Mineral Raw Materials of the Kola Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences also participated in the research.
Photo: 3DSculptor / iStock
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