Melanin composites for radiation hardening and thermal management

We propose innovative melanin-silicone composites to enhance space exploration capabilities, particularly in environments characterized by high radiation and low temperatures, such as Jupiter's moon Europa. These composites aim to provide spacecraft electronics with low size, weight, and power (SWaP), radiation-hardened properties, and the ability to operate effectively across a wide range of temperatures. Electronics are susceptible to damage by space radiation and extreme cold, reducing the lifespan of missions. We aim to exploit the radioprotective and thermal properties of fungal melanin to introduce novel properties into silicone-based conformal coatings and potting compounds, which are regularly used on spacecraft electronics. The radioprotective capabilities of melanin have been demonstrated in multiple fungal species against various forms of ionizing radiation including UV, X-rays, gamma rays, and particulate radiation. Additionally, melanin provides heat by thermal absorption of radiation, low thermal conductivity, and high thermal resistance. These remarkable properties are exhibited by isolated melanin, which can be incorporated into diverse composites. This project aims to develop melanin-silicone composites that can be applied as conformal coatings of potting compounds to reduce reliance on large-SWaP enclosures for radiation and thermal protection. Funds will be used to create composites and test for radioprotective, photothermal, and durability properties when irradiated with ionizing radiation. The proposed melanin-silicone composites would offer low-SWaP electronics protection for not only deep space exploration but also low Earth orbit. Therefore, our target markets include private space/satellite companies, government agencies, and research institutions, all of which would benefit from the protection of sensitive electronics in low Earth orbit and deep space.

Our proposed melanin-silicone composites aim to provide low-SWaP, radioprotective, and photothermal materials for electronics onboard spacecraft. This proposal targets applications in long-duration missions for exploration of deep space and high-radiation/low-temperature environments like that of the moon Europa. These multifunctional properties of these materials would also prove advantageous for missions to our Moon and for spacecraft in low Earth orbit applications. Reducing reliance on large-SWaP radiation shielding and temperature-regulating enclosures for sensitive electronics would reduce payload weight while extending mission lifetime. These composites aim to add protection to sensitive electronics to enhance equipment reliability for manned and unmanned missions, like the Europa Clipper or Artemis missions, but also satellites in low Earth orbit. The radioprotective and photothermal properties of the proposed melanin-silicone composites would provide value for the protection of sensitive electronics for private industries and other government agencies. With the rise of the commercial space industry, these composites would provide the same protections for electronics on spacecraft operated by private companies. For example, commercial satellites or private space tourism. Similarly, these composites would provide value for military satellites to improve defense capabilities and satellite lifespan. On Earth, these melanin-silicone composites could improve electronics operations in regions where there is either high solar irradiance, low surface temperatures, or both. For example, advancing defense operations at polar regions where the composites would protect from solar radiation while improving thermal regulation.

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