Space radiation—originating from galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), solar energetic particles (SEPs), and the trapped particles within the Van Allen belts- poses a significant threat to space systems. These radiation sources can degrade electronic devices through mechanisms such as total ionizing dose (TID), single event effects (SEE), and displacement damage (DD), leading to issues that range from minor functional deviations to catastrophic system failures, potentially jeopardising entire missions.
To address this challenge, the SRPROTEC project has focused on developing and validating innovative composite materials with enhanced shielding properties against space radiation. Designed to serve as packaging materials for electronic components, these epoxy-based composites filled with high atomic number particles have been synthesised, extensively characterised, and subjected to rigorous physical and radiation shielding tests.
The most promising formulation was used to encapsulate electronic components through the Dam & Fill process, producing test vehicles that underwent a dedicated evaluation campaign. This assessment determined both the manufacturing quality of the test vehicles and the radiation shielding performance of the novel package.
What you will learn
- The scope and objectives of the SRPROTEC project
- Methodology for developing and testing radiation-shielding composites
- Key experimental results and material performance insights
- Final conclusions and directions for future research
Learn more about the project with the following papers:
- Physical Characterization of QFN Test Vehicles Manufactured with Radiation-Shielding Materials
- Characterization of Novel Composite Materials with Radiation Shielding Properties for Electronic Encapsulation (SRPROTEC Project)
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Know the speakers
Luis Alejandro Arriaga
Luis Arriaga is a materials engineer specialized in applications for the space sector. He holds a Master’s in Science and Technology of New Materials from the University of Seville.
For two years, he led Scanning Acoustic Microscopy and Thermomechanical Analysis activities. Currently Deputy Project Manager, he has contributed to ESA projects and presented at international conferences.
Carla Ortiz
Graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cantabria, is a researcher in the advanced materials and nanomaterials area of the Fundación Centro Tecnológico de Componentes (CTC). Since her beginnings in research, she has been working with composite materials. She has been mainly focused on the development of conductive and radiation shielding coatings for space applications, and she has also carried out studies on the reuse of waste for thermal insulation applications. She is currently studying for a master’s degree in New Materials at the University of Cantabria and the University of the Basque Country.