article · Proceedings of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences
A multilayer composite material has been developed and evaluated for protecting satellite electronics from high-energy radiation in low Earth orbit. The material combines aluminium oxide, hexagonal boron nitride, and high-density polyethylene reinforced with natural Doum fibre. Mechanical testing demonstrated a tensile strength of 25 megapascals, a hardness of 85.7 Vickers, and impact energy absorption of 23.721 joules. Thermal evaluation confirmed stability up to roughly 600 degrees Celsius, with degradation initiating at 320 degrees Celsius. Radiation tests across multiple beta and gamma energy levels revealed that layer sequencing significantly affects protection. A boron, polyethylene, and aluminium stacking sequence achieved beta radiation protection efficiency of up to 99.16 percent at 6 megaelectronvolts and 95.42 percent at 15 megaelectronvolts. This configuration improved beta and gamma attenuation by 12 percent and 8 percent respectively over alternative arrangements, demonstrating its utility as a lightweight, renewable space shielding option.
Satellites operating in low Earth orbit face disruption and failure caused by energetic particle radiation. Traditional shielding systems can be heavy and costly to launch. Incorporating renewable Doum fibres into an engineered multilayer composite provides an effective way to shield delicate electronics against damaging radiation while keeping satellite components lightweight, heat-resistant, and less expensive to manufacture.
The composite is aimed at satellite manufacturers and space technology developers seeking passive radiation shielding for electronics in low Earth orbit. By combining renewable Doum fibre with high-density polymers and ceramics, it targets lower-cost, lightweight spacecraft construction. Based on the reported laboratory synthesis, thermal analysis, and radiation testing, the technology is at an early research and testing stage, requiring operational space qualification before it can be considered near-market.
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Passive radiation shielding has gained prominence in space technology due to satellite malfunction and destruction by high-energy beta particles in low Earth orbit (LEO). This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel composite material composed of aluminum oxide (Al2 O3 ), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and high-density polyethylene (HDPe) reinforced with Doum fiber. MULSES mechanical properties exhibited tensile strength of 25 MPa, hardness of 85.7 Hv, and impact energy absorption of 23.721 J, demonstrating a perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and toughness. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the composite has thermal stability until approximately 600◦ C, degradation was initiated at 320◦ C and optimal degradation was at 480◦ C. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) showed peaks of exothermic degradation at 400◦ C and 520◦ C corresponding to decomposition of polymer and fibers, respectively, and show the suitability of the composite to handle high temperature. Radiation shielding efficiency was tested at various beta (6, 9, 10, 12, and 15 MeV) and gamma (662 keV and 1.25 MeV) energies. Stacking arrangement played a crucial role in shielding efficiency, with the BHA (Boron, HDPe, Aluminum) arrangement delivering the maximum beta radiation protection efficiency (RPE) of 99.16% at 6 MeV and 95.42% at 15 MeV. When compared to other stack arrangements, the BHA arrangement showed 12% improvement in beta attenuation efficiency and 8% improvement in gamma attenuation efficiency. The smaller mean free path (MFP) and half-value layer (HVL) for beta and gamma radiation also confirm the improved shielding property of the BHA arrangement. HDPe-Doum fiber-h-BN-Al2 O3 exhibits the optimum mechanical strength, heat stability, and radiation shielding properties all together that render MULSES a cost-effective, light, and renewable space shielding material.
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DOI: 10.61298/pnspsc.2025.2.168
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