CTC to develop innovative space radiation shielding materials for microelectronic devices
The CTC Technology Centre is developing innovative composite materials to increase protection against space radiation. These materials are intended to preserve microelectronic devices used in the space domain.
This work is the core of the SRPROTEC (Space Radiation in Microelectronics through the development of Advanced Composite Materials) project. ALTER Technology, a leading provider of micro and optoelectronics services, led the initiative, with CTC as an expert partner for the technological side of the project.
With a lead time of 36 months, this research will allow the development of new composite materials to preserve and protect microelectronic devices used in space applications. The main objective of these materials is to minimise the damage caused by space radiation and the degradation of devices and extend their lifetime in space missions.
CTC’s Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials team is working on creating innovative composite materials, specifically polymer nanocomposites. These materials have better properties than the original polymers due to the characteristics provided by the integrated nano-loads. In this case, the CTC’s solution will have increased radiation protection properties.
Besides, the solution proposed by the technology centre also seeks to improve thermal, electrical and mechanical resistance properties, which are key to the correct functioning of space applications and their durability during missions.
The SRPROTEC initiative opens up new avenues of knowledge and research for CTC, the first initiative within the area of Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials directly linked to the space domain. In this sense, the project will provide the centre with new research and development capabilities that will also improve its services to companies linked to this field, but also with the potential for the nuclear industry or medicine.
This project also allows CTC to continue expanding its knowledge in composite materials and increase its specialisation in developing nanocomposites, one of the technology centre’s main lines of work.
SRPROTEC is funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Call for Public-Private Collaboration Projects 2021, with a budget of over 415,000 euros. This project is aligned with strategic action number 4 of the Spanish Government’s National R&D Programme “Digital world, industry, space and defence”.
Specifically, the initiative falls under the “New materials and manufacturing techniques” action line”. Space SA aims to promote the development of an innovative and competitive Spanish satellite, equipment and applications sector through the technological development with which Spain contributes to the European Space Agency (ESA).
