Method of manufacturing advanced composites and coatings for radiation environment shielding

Abstract

Radiation shielding performs a range of functions determined by the type and number of layers of materials used, thickness, weight, and structural support afforded by the radiation shielding. A radiation shield laminate stack may be constructed consisting of a plurality of layers of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, polyethylene film, and carbon fiber, which is held together with an epoxy. The carbon fiber lay may be coated with nanoparticles of Boron (B) or Boron Nitride (BN), Boron Oxide (B2O3) or Boron Carbide (B4C) or a combination thereof to increase the shielding properties of the laminate stack. The radiation shield is lighter than aluminum, structurally sound, and thus may be used in the space environment to effectively block Galactic Cosmic Rays, atomic oxygen and UV radiation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.