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Innovative Boron Nitride Nanotube Fabrics Offer Radiation Protection for Space Missions
The recent successful launch of the Nuri rocket and the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration have sparked renewed interest in space exploration, with both public and private sectors channeling funds into space-related ventures. One of the significant concerns facing astronauts and travelers in space is the unavoidable exposure to cosmic radiation.
A research team led by Dr. Dae-Yoon Kim at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has made noteworthy strides in this area by developing a novel composite fiber that is capable of effectively blocking neutrons found in space radiation. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Fiber Materials.
Neutrons present in space radiation pose significant risks, contributing to detrimental biological effects and impairing the functionality of electronic devices. Consequently, these factors represent substantial threats for prolonged missions in outer space.
The innovative approach taken by the KIST team involves manipulating the interaction between boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and aramid polymers. By overcoming the challenge of blending these two materials, the researchers succeeded in creating stable mixed solutions that were used to fabricate lightweight and flexible fibers that withstand temperatures up to 500°C.
Although similar in structure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), BNNTs stand out due to their high boron content. This unique composition endows BNNTs with neutron absorption capabilities that are approximately 200,000 times greater than those of CNTs. When woven into fabric, these BNNT composite fibers can effectively serve as a radiation shield, helping to prevent neutron transmission.
Applications and Future Prospects
The potential applications of BNNT-based functional fabrics extend far beyond space travel. They can also be applied in everyday clothing for various professions requiring exposure protection, including flight crews, healthcare professionals, power plant staff, and firefighting personnel.
Moreover, the heat-resistant properties of BNNTs render these fabrics suitable for extreme environments, indicating their usability in both aerospace and defense sectors. The versatility of the material opens doors for innovative safety solutions across a range of applications, ensuring better combat against harmful radiation.
“Implementing our advanced textiles in everyday clothing can establish a minimal safety standard for those at risk of neutron exposure,” stated Dr. Dae-Yoon Kim. “With Korea’s rapid advancements in the fields of space and defense, we foresee tremendous synergy in the future.”
More information:
Ki-Hyun Ryu et al, Spacesuit Textiles from Extreme Fabric Materials: Aromatic Amide Polymer and Boron Nitride Nanotube Composite Fiber for Neutron Shielding and Thermal Management, Advanced Fiber Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s42765-024-00432-6
Citation:
Space travel: Protection from cosmic radiation with boron nitride nanotube fibers (2024, September 11) retrieved 12 September 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-space-cosmic-boron-nitride-nanotube.html
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