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| May 12, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 18 |
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Next-gen super-thin material blocks both cosmic electromagnetic waves and radiation
Shielding materials are essential in key modern industrial settings such as spacecraft, nuclear power plants, semiconductor equipment, and advanced medical devices. They protect both equipment and personnel from electromagnetic waves and radiation. In particular, as space exploration gains momentum, such as with the successful launch of Artemis 2, the importance of next-generation shielding technology capable of withstanding extreme environments is growing.
However, electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation, which can cause malfunctions in key components such as semiconductors, have different characteristics and must be blocked using distinct materials. This has historically led to issues including increased weight and structural complexity. These limitations pose an even greater burden in the space industry.
To address this challenge, a research team led by Dr. Joo Yong-ho at the Extreme Environment Shielding Materials Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has proposed a new solution. The team has developed the world's first innovative composite shielding material that can simultaneously block electromagnetic waves and neutrons using a single, ultra-thin film -- thinner than a human hair -- while also being stretchy like rubber and suitable for 3D printing.
In space, nuclear, and medical environments, electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation coexist, but existing shielding materials have been limited in their application due to their heavy weight and rigidity. The research team combined carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which block electromagnetic waves, with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which absorb neutrons, to create a composite material capable of simultaneously blocking both types of radiation in a single thin layer. [Credit: Image courtesy of Korea Institute of Science and Technology]
The key to this newly developed material lies in the combination of two types of nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are highly conductive, absorb and reflect electromagnetic waves, while boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), rich in boron, effectively capture neutrons. In particular, as the two materials naturally form a "shell structure" in which they envelop each other, a single film is now capable of simultaneously blocking both types of hazards. As a result, the material achieves performance that blocks 99.999% of electromagnetic waves and reduces neutrons by approximately 72%, even at a thickness thinner than a human hair.
The research team used ink composed of a mixture of nanomaterials and polymers to fabricate various structures via 3D printing (DIW). This approach enables the realization of complex shapes, such as honeycomb structures, while allowing the thickness and performance to be adjusted according to the design. In particular, by designing the internal structure, electromagnetic wave shielding performance can be further enhanced. [Credit: Image courtesy of Korea Institute of Science and Technology]
The material's technical sophistication is also noteworthy. It possesses exceptional elasticity, maintaining its performance even when stretched to more than twice its original length. It can also be 3D printed into various shapes, such as honeycomb structures. In fact, it has been confirmed that the honeycomb structure offers up to 15% better shielding performance than flat materials of the same thickness. Furthermore, it has proven durability, withstanding temperatures ranging from -196 C to 250 C, making it suitable for stable use even in extreme environments such as space.
This research goes beyond the development of a single material to open up new possibilities across the entire industry. With the ability to simultaneously block electromagnetic waves and radiation using a single material, it has become possible to achieve both simplified design and weight reduction across various fields, including satellites, space stations, nuclear facilities, cancer treatment equipment, and wearable protective gear. In particular, the design of customized shielding structures combined with 3D printing is a core technology that has the potential to transform the paradigms of the space, energy, and medical industries in the future.
"This material represents a completely new concept in shielding technology -- it is as thin as tape and as flexible as rubber, yet simultaneously blocks both electromagnetic waves and radiation," said Dr. Yong-ho. "This technology is significant for securing the advanced materials and establishing the domestic production infrastructure necessary for realizing the space age. We plan to further enhance its performance through structural design optimization and actively pursue its application in actual industrial settings."
Source: National Research Council of Science & Technology (Korea)
Published May 2026
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