A new protective film developed by Korean scientists is thinner than tape and as flexible as rubber—but it blocks nearly all electromagnetic waves and absorbs most neutron radiation. The material can be printed on a 3D printer and can withstand temperatures ranging from freezing to red-hot metal. The study’s authors see it as a promising material for space technology, medicine, and defense.
A satellite in Earth orbit, protected by an innovative flexible film designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space. Source: universetoday.com
One film, two types of protection
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have combined two types of nanotubes: one reflects electromagnetic waves, while the other absorbs neutron radiation.
This approach made it possible to create a single composite material capable of simultaneously withstanding various types of radiation exposure—previously, this required separate layers or solutions.
What the tests showed
Testing has confirmed that the material reflects 99.999% of electromagnetic waves and absorbs approximately 72% of neutron radiation. This means that virtually no electromagnetic waves pass through it—while neutron radiation, which is the most difficult to block, is absorbed by more than two-thirds.
In addition to its protective properties, the material can withstand temperatures ranging from −196°C to +250°C without losing its elasticity—a range in which most modern coatings either crack or deform.
Why is this important for future missions?
The authors of the study note that as interest in long-duration missions—to the Moon, Mars, and beyond—grows, the issue of protecting electronics and crew members from radiation is becoming critical. Devices and people who spend extended periods of time outside the Earth’s magnetic field are constantly exposed to solar and cosmic radiation. A lightweight and flexible shield that can be manufactured directly at the mission site could significantly reduce these risks.
“This material represents a completely new concept in shielding technology-it is as thin as tape and as flexible as rubber yet simultaneously blocks both electromagnetic waves and radiation.” said Dr. Joo Young-ho, a principal researcher at KIST’s Center for Materials for Extreme Environment Protection and a co-author of the study. According to him, the team plans to improve the material by optimizing its structure and advance it toward practical industrial applications. The research findings have been published in the journal Advanced Materials.
According to universetoday.com