A 3D-printed, ultra-thin, lightweight, high-performance shielding material comprised of two nanotubes has proven effective as a shield against both cosmic electromagnetic waves and radiation.
Shielding materials are a necessity in key modern industrial settings-such as spacecraft, nuclear power plants, semiconductor equipment, and advanced medical devices-to protect both equipment and personnel from electromagnetic waves and radiation.
But electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation can only be blocked with distinct materials, which are often heavy and inflexible.
A flexible film material that blocks 99.999% of electromagnetic waves and reduces neutrons by approximately 72%
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) have developed a new, lightweight solution to this problem, by combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which block electromagnetic waves, with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which absorb neutrons, to create a shell-structured, composite material capable of simultaneously blocking both types of radiation in a single thin layer.
Furthermore, by combining this with a polymer (PDMS), the team achieved a lightweight and flexible form, demonstrating the potential for this material to evolve into a next-generation shielding material applicable to various structures and devices. The material is thinner than a human hair, while also being stretchy like rubber and suitable for 3D printing.
The material’s shielding is still effective when stretched to twice its original length and when 3D-printed into certain shapes, shows even more promise. Tests found that when printed into a honeycomb structure, shielding was up to 15% better than in flat forms. The material can also withstand temperatures ranging from -196°C to 250°C, making it suitable for stable use even in extreme environments such as space.
Transforming the space, energy, and medical industries
Customisable shielding technology could be applied to satellites, space stations, nuclear facilities, cancer treatment equipment, and wearable protective gear.
Dr. Joo Yong-ho of KIST stated, “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.” He added, “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.”
This research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education as part of KIST’s major projects, the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Individual Basic Research Program (RS-2026-25468694), the G-LAMP Program (RS-2024-00443714), and the GNU Aerospace and Defense Research Institute Project.
The findings of this study were published in the latest issue of the international journal Advanced Materials.