Researchers from Russia have developed a composite substance intended for shielding astronauts and apparatus from radiation in space. According to the press service of the RAS Comprehensive Research Center, its price is considerably lower than foreign counterparts.
The novel material is based on lanthanum hexaboride and an aluminum-magnesium alloy, utilizing plasma sintering technology. It merges robust mechanical durability with an effective capability to absorb ionizing emissions.
“NASA is working on a lightweight substance derived from boron nitride nanotubes, which can be integrated into the hull of spacecraft and spacesuits. Nevertheless, its production is extremely costly—up to \$1000 per gram. Our goal is to engineer a composite 100–200 times more economical while maintaining the standard and efficacy of radiation protection,” explained Oleg Shichalin, head of the laboratory at Sakhalin State University.
Specialists from the KSC RAS, Far Eastern Federal University, and Sakhalin State University participated in the creation. The formulated composite enables the making of multipurpose components for spacecraft that concurrently fulfill a load-bearing role and guarantee radiation security, which aids in lightening the structure.
About the Author
