Multilayer ZTA-core composite with bio-derived coatings for space radiation shielding against gamma, proton, and neutron radiation
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Date
2026-05-27
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Abstract
This study numerically evaluates the radiation shielding performance of a multilayer ceramic architecture consisting of a zirconia toughened alumina core with mycelium-based coatings, including melanized variants, under gamma rays, neutrons, and protons. Photon attenuation is simulated using Geant4 and benchmarked against XCOM, and standard gamma shielding metrics are reported for the multilayer configuration. Neutron response is quantified through macroscopic removal cross sections in the 2 to 10 MeV range and thick-ness dependent transmission factors for fast and thermal neutrons, where clearer separation among coatingoptionsisobservedinthethermalregion.ProtonstoppingpoweranddepthdependentLETprofilesareobtainedwithSRIM/TRIMfor10to50MeV,andtheBraggpeakpositionisusedtoassesslayerthicknessrequirements.Thecompositesystemshowsphotonattenuationbetweenconcreteandlead,whileneutronperformancedependsstronglyoncoatingcomposition.Overall,theresultsestablishadirectlinkbetweenarchi-tecturalparametersandradiationresponse,providingguidanceforthedesignandoptimizationoflayeredceramicshieldingsystems
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Space radiation, Radiation shielding, Multilayer composite, Zirconia toughenedalumina, Neutronattenuation