PolyRAD Space Radiation Shield for Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Microelectronics

PolyRAD, a radiation shielding material, was demonstrated in a Phase I study. Three densities were fabricated: 15.3, 10.0, and 4.0 g/cc with mass and dimensional deviations of 0.27 % and 0.3 %, 0.6 % and 0.6 %, and 1.2 % and 1.4 % respectively. Outgassing tests yielded TML's less than 0.06 % and CVCM's less than 0.02 %. Mechanical flex and shear property tests showed the expected increase in modulus with density and strengths sufficient to enable handling without breakage. Data from electron radiation exposure tests and theoretical modeling agreed well for the three densities thus there is confidence in modeling prediction that a 20-mil (0.051 cm) PolyRAD shield can reduce the annual TID in GEO to less than 5 krads/year. These technical performances, combined with its simple and low-cost application to individual parts or large board, are a clear indication that PolyRAD can reliably and cost effectively enable successful commercial and NASA/DOD space applications of state-of-the-art, commercial-off-the-shelf microelectronics. The work planned for Phase II is intended to introduce and apply PolyRAD in the NASA and commercial communities.