Integral Neutron and Gamma Shield Material

A new class of material has been synthesized and demonstrated feasible at the laboratory level, as a potential integral neutron and gamma shield for the Fission Surface Power Project and other small fission reactor technologies under development. The new material will have a competitive mass and volume-to-shielding effectiveness and offer a superior stable integral form as compared to the current best available technology discrete combinations - Lithium Hydride or B4C and Tungsten or Depleted Uranium. In the Phase II-E effort, manufacture of additional powder will be completed and delivered to MSFC. In addition to powder delivery, several consolidated specimens will be produced via spark plasma sintering and delivered to MSFC, along with relevant mechanical and physical property test data.

The new material being developed will be immediately applicable to the Fission Surface Power project, as well as Space Nuclear Propulsion. The ability to have an integrally combined neutron and gamma shield will enable NASA shielding component designers to realize freedom of design not possible with the best available technology in current material combinations.

The new shield material being developed has significant potential beyond spaceflight applications, including terrestrial fission reactor shielding, spent fuel casket shielding, medical and industrial radiation shielding. The non-nuclear application opportunities for this new class of material include high volume industrial wear and cutting parts.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.