Polyethylene-based nanocomposites for radiation shielding: modelling in radiative environment and laboratory tests in thermo-vacuum chamber
Human space missions beyond near Earth orbit call for new materials to mitigate risk factors associated with radiation exposure. Current materials show many limitations in this regard for applications in crew exploration vehicles, spacesuits and human habitats. The technological solutions are mainly based polyethylene materials, which have high hydrogen content. These polymers are non-structural and their overall properties are quite low, considering the operative conditions in space.