PDMS/single-walled carbon nanotube composite for proton radiation shielding in space applications

• PDMS/SWCNT nanocomposite for radiation shielding in aerospace industry is proposed.
• Energetic proton stopping properties of PDMS can be enhanced by dispersing 1.12 wt% SWCNT.
• Under 105 MeV, PDMS/SWCNT is 3.11% and 20.91% lighter than PDMS and Al respectively.
• Structure factor of SWCNTs affects the proton stopping properties of the materials.

This study explores the radiation characteristics of carbon nanotubes-based polymer composite for high-energy proton shielding applications in aerospace industry. Nanocomposites of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were tested under monoenergetic proton beams. The stopping ranges of the nanocomposite (PDMS/SWCNT) were calculated and compared to those of the pure PDMS and aluminum (Al). The results showed that the PDMS/SWCNT nanocomposite provided weight advantage compared to the control (PDMS) at energies higher than 53.59 MeV. At 105 MeV, PDMS/SWCNT was 3.11% and 20.91% lighter than pure PDMS and Al respectively. In order to evaluate the effects of the SWCNTs upon exposure to high-energy protons, the stopping ranges for PDMS/SWCNT and pure PDMS were simulated and the results were compared to those obtained from the experiments.