Sustainable Hydrogen-Rich Polymer Blends for Advanced Space Radiation Shielding

Radiation exposure is one of the main obstacles to long-term human space exploration. Beyond Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts are subjected to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events, which can cause severe biological damage. The development of lightweight and efficient shielding materials is therefore crucial to ensure crew safety during missions in low Earth orbit and on the lunar surface. This study investigates hydrogen-rich polymer blends based on polyethylene and newly developed polyimides synthesized through environmentally sustainable, green-solvent routes. Polyimides exhibit excellent thermal resistance, mechanical robustness, and structural integrity at elevated temperatures, properties that complement the hydrogen-rich shielding capabilities of polyethylene. Radiation transport simulations were conducted using NASA’s OLTARIS tool to evaluate exposure conditions in both low Earth orbit and lunar environments. The combination of polyethylene with advanced polyimides and boron-containing additives, such as boric acid, results in hybrid materials that are effective in radiation attenuation while remaining lightweight, flexible, and mechanically durable. These multifunctional composites represent promising candidates for integration into personal protective equipment and other shielding systems essential for future human space missions.