Multifunctional Polymers Incorporating High-Z Neutron-Capture Nanoparticles

NASA has identified the need for the development of lightweight structures technologies to support Lunar Lander and Lunar Habitats programs and for the transfer of relevant technology to Crew Exploration Vehicle and Crew Launch Vehicle programs. NASA further calls for revolutionary advances in radiation shielding materials and structures technologies to protect humans from the hazards of space radiation during NASA missions. To address this need and in response to NASA Subtopic X6.01, International Scientific Technologies, Inc. in conjunction with the College of William and Mary, proposes the development of lightweight multifunctional polymeric materials with nanoparticle metallic additives that will provide radiation protection of humans engaged in long-duration space missions. The Phase I program Technical Objectives include selection and functionalization of metallic nanoparticles for incorporation into polymers, fabrication of nanocomposite films of space-compatible polymers, and measurement of radiation shielding effectiveness. The anticipated result of the Phase I and Phase II programs is the fabrication of polymeric materials incorporating metallic nanoparticles that will have multifunctional properties of radiation shielding against galactic cosmic radiation and neutrons and electromagnetic radiation, and structural integrity to permit use in flexible and rigid structures and habitats during deep-space missions.