Exploration of Composite 3D Carbon Foams for Radiation Shielding and 2D allotropes of Carbon for Direct Lunar Applications

Space environment contains major hazards to space travel, among which are space radiation and micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD). The space radiation consists mainly of electrons and protons, solar energetic particles (SEP), and galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). Current Shielding technologies involve either very thick aluminum panels or large volume of hydrogen containing compounds. This proposal will explore and develop composite carbon-based foams primarily foams derived from natural precursors and graphene with the purpose of minimizing the effects of radiation and manufacturing low-weight high density conductive wire for lunar applications. The enhancement of these foams with radiation shield atoms can be accomplished via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). ALD is a cost effective nanoadditive-manufacturing technique that allows for the conformal coating of substrates with atomic control in a benign temperature and pressure environment. Through the introduction of paired precursor gases thin films can be deposited on a myriad of substrates ranging from glass, polymers, aerogels, metals, high aspect ratio geometries and powders. By utilizing the effectiveness of this technique, we will demonstrate the surface modification of the 2D and 3D allotropes of carbon specifically graphene foam and carbon nanotubes for applications in radiation shielding utilizing a 10B aluminum oxide composite, copper for extreme light-weight electrical conductivity, especially important for low mass high density electrical applications parament for lunar establishment and science return success.

Minimizing the physiological changes caused by space radiation exposure, protect hardware that are susceptible to radiation damage, lunar habitat protection

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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