3D printing of radiation shielding polyethylene composites filled with Martian regolith simulant using fused filament fabrication

Zaccardi, Federica; Toto, Elisa; Santonicola, M. Gabriella; Laurenzi, Susanna

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.09.040

Cited by 31 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…To further safeguard crew-health, essential therapeutics that cannot be included in cargo due to restrictions such as shelf-life, are within scope 8 , 10 , 15 . For maximum fidelity of mission operations, a range of thermoplastic multi-purpose materials have been proposed for manufacturing of e.g., food processing equipment, surgical and medical supplies, radiation shielding, and habitat components 41 – 44 . Enabling technologies include: modular fermentations and bioprocesses at scale, optimized genetically engineered microbial strains to efficiently produce intermediates (i.e., ingredients, agents, crude polymer), and formulation/processing systems to assemble the final products (i.e., meals, drugs, manufactured items).…”

Section: Off-world Biomanufacturing Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration—what to take and when to make

et al. 2023

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As renewed interest in human space-exploration intensifies, a coherent and modernized strategy for mission design and planning has become increasingly crucial. Biotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to increase resilience, flexibility, and efficiency of missions, by virtue of its ability to effectively utilize in situ resources and reclaim resources from waste streams. Here we outline four primary mission-classes on Moon and Mars that drive a staged and accretive biomanufacturing strategy. Each class requires a unique approach to integrate biomanufacturing into the existing mission-architecture and so faces unique challenges in technology development. These challenges stem directly from the resources available in a given mission-class—the degree to which feedstocks are derived from cargo and in situ resources—and the degree to which loop-closure is necessary. As mission duration and distance from Earth increase, the benefits of specialized, sustainable biomanufacturing processes also increase. Consequentially, we define specific design-scenarios and quantify the usefulness of in-space biomanufacturing, to guide techno-economics of space-missions. Especially materials emerged as a potentially pivotal target for biomanufacturing with large impact on up-mass cost. Subsequently, we outline the processes needed for development, testing, and deployment of requisite technologies. As space-related technology development often does, these advancements are likely to have profound implications for the creation of a resilient circular bioeconomy on Earth.

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Section: Off-world Biomanufacturing Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration—what to take and when to make

et al. 2023

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“…Its high biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, and chemical resistance have made PE the material of choice for the commercial production of orthopedic prostheses and packaging [ 1 , 2 ]. In the space sector, PE and PE-based composites are used as a barrier against the hazardous space radiation environment [ 3 , 4 ]. In fact, it is widely recognized that materials composed of low atomic number atoms offer protection against radiation [ 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications

et al. 2023

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The development of novel materials with improved radiation shielding capability is a fundamental step towards the optimization of passive radiation countermeasures. Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can be a good compromise for maintaining the radiation shielding properties of the hydrogen-rich polymer while endowing the material with multifunctional properties. In this work, nanocomposite materials based on medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) loaded with different amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), GNPs, and hybrid MWCNT/GNP nanofillers were fabricated, and their properties were examined before and after proton exposure. The effects of irradiation were evaluated in terms of modifications in the chemical and physical structure, wettability, and surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The aim of this work was to define and compare the MDPE-based nanocomposite behavior under proton irradiation in order to establish the best system for applications as space shielding materials.

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“…In addition to improvements in thermal conductivity, higher dimensional stability can be achieved by filler incorporation, which can be particularly attractive for 3D-printing applications. [12][13][14] In a previous paper, 15 it was proposed the use of soapstone waste as an alternative filler for high-density polyethylene composites. This talc-rich mineral is normally exploited for industrial, construction and ornamental purposes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These PE composites are also suitable for packaging of electronic utensils, 10,11 as the enhanced thermal conductivity allows for proper heat dissipation in such devices. In addition to improvements in thermal conductivity, higher dimensional stability can be achieved by filler incorporation, which can be particularly attractive for 3D‐printing applications 12–14 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermo‐mechanical properties of polyethylene composites filled with soapstone waste

de Sousa,

Kalantar Mehrjerdi,

Skrifvars

et al. 2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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In this study, soapstone waste originated from craftsmanship activities was used as an alternative filler (0–30 wt%) for a high‐density polyethylene (PE) matrix. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of the filler particles on crystallinity, thermal stability and thermo‐mechanical properties of this newly developed composite material. Physico‐chemical characterization was performed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), oxidation induction time (OIT) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) were performed to assess the effect of the filler on the themo‐mechanical properties of PE. Thermal stability, measured by TGA, was enhanced, while OIT values reduced with filler content. A significant increase on the storage modulus of the composites (up to 148% in comparison with unfilled PE) was observed and this reinforcing effect was even more prominent at higher temperatures. XRD analysis revealed that the degree of crystallinity improved significantly with soapstone loading, which explains the substantial increase in stiffness observed. Increased crystallinity is also associated with higher strength, reduced residual stress, and better dimensional stability of end products, which can be particularly attractive for pressure pipe applications.

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3D printing of radiation shielding polyethylene composites filled with Martian regolith simulant using fused filament fabrication

Cited by 31 publications

References 48 publications

Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration—what to take and when to make

Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration—what to take and when to make

Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications

Thermo‐mechanical properties of polyethylene composites filled with soapstone waste

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