3D Multilayered BNMR/Epoxy Composites with Enhanced Neutron Shielding Performance for Protection of Space Electronics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering

Background:

• Conventional polymers for electronic packaging lack sufficient neutron shielding and thermal stability for space applications.
• Existing boron nitride materials face cost and applicability limitations for effective neutron shielding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel multilayered composite for enhanced electronic packaging in extreme space environments.
• To improve neutron shielding capabilities and thermal stability compared to conventional materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cost-effective boron nitride microbridle (BNMR).
• Alignment of BNMR into dense-layered structures using freeze-casting.
• Infiltration of aligned BNMR with epoxy resin to create a multilayered composite.

Main Results:

• The BNMR/epoxy composite demonstrated a 226.53% increase in neutron attenuation coefficient with only 5.35 vol % BNMR.
• The composite exhibited reduced thermal expansion and improved electrical insulation across a wide temperature range (-100-100 °C).
• Enhanced interfacial bonding and uniform filler distribution contributed to superior shielding performance.

Conclusions:

• The BNMR/epoxy multilayer composite offers a promising solution for advanced electronic packaging in aerospace.
• The material effectively addresses the need for improved neutron shielding and thermal resilience in space environments.