An ultra-thin, stretchable and 3D-printable composite material offers both electromagnetic and radiation shielding in extreme environments, according to a study.
Shielding materials offer protection from electromagnetic waves and radiation. For instance, they are integrated onto spacecraft, semiconductor equipment and advanced medical devices to protect both equipment and people.
With space exploration gaining momentum, the importance of next-generation shielding technology capable of withstanding extreme environments is growing. However, material that is capable of blocking electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation comes with challenges in terms of increasing the weight and structural complexity of equipment.
To address this challenge, a research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a composite shielding material solution. It features a single ultra-thin film that is not only thinner than a human hair, but is also stretchy and can be 3D printed.
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