Methods of making Z-shielding

US10039217B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• Donald L. Thomsen, III · Yorktown, US
• Roberto J. Cano · Yorktown, US
• Brian J. Jensen · Williamsburg, US
• Stephen J. Hales · Poquoson, US
• Joel A. Alexa · Hampton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 9, 2013
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2018
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T442/259
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect. the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.