HY-SHIELD®

Hybrid Boron–Tungsten Structural Shielding Concept for Fusion Applications

A developmental composite concept combining boron fiber (neutron absorption) and tungsten wire (gamma plus moderates, reflects and scatters neutrons) in a radiation-resistant cyanate ester matrix.

Selected technical collaborator:
Tokamak Energy

Some HY-SHIELD® development work, including certain test articles, has involved collaboration with Tokamak Energy. These activities are limited to defined technical studies and do not imply any broader partnership or joint commercial arrangement.

What is HY-SHIELD®?

HY-SHIELD® is a research-stage structural composite shielding concept. It combines boron fiber and tungsten wire in a cyanate ester matrix. The goal is to provide tunable neutron and gamma shielding in a structural, laminate-ready form. This product is under development and requires further R&D and customer collaboration.

  • Boron Fiber: High neutron absorption cross-section with high compression strength
  • Tungsten Wire: High-density gamma attenuation
  • Cyanate Ester Matrix: Low outgassing, high Tg, radiation-resistant, and thermally stable polymer

Measured Properties (Gamma Irradiation)

Property Test Method Boron-Only (208 FPI) Hybrid (97B / 111W)
0° Tensile Strength ASTM D3039 248 ksi (1,709 MPa) 246 ksi (1,696 MPa)
0° Flexural Strength ASTM D790 402 ksi (2,774 MPa) 330 ksi (2,276 MPa)
0° Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 35.8 Msi (247 GPa) 32.9 Msi (227 GPa)
0° Short Beam Shear ASTM D2344 12.1 ksi (83.4 MPa) N/A
Density ASTM D792 2.09 g/cm³ 8.45 g/cm³
Cured Ply Thickness Measurement 0.097 mm 0.102 mm
Short Beam Shear (post-gamma, severe location) ASTM D2344 12.4 ksi (irradiated) N/A
Glass Transition Temp (Tg, non-irradiated) DMA, ASTM E1640 181°C 181°C
Glass Transition Temp (Tg, post-gamma) DMA, ASTM E1640 312–322°C 312–322°C

All values for the hybrid were tested post-gamma irradiation. Samples were exposed to gamma radiation doses up to 7.4 MGy at temperatures from 20K to 298K to simulate fusion reactor environments.

Key Finding: Cyanate ester was not post-cured. Gamma exposure then caused additional crosslinking (a post-curing effect), increasing Tg. Short beam shear strength remains equivalent to or greater than non-irradiated samples after radiation exposure. No chain scission observed via FTIR.

Technology & Manufacturing Readiness

Scale Current Level Definition Evidence
TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 2–3 Concept formulated; analytical and experimental proof-of-concept Sandia gamma exposure testing; no integrated system demonstration
MRL (Manufacturing Readiness Level) 2–3 Manufacturing concepts identified; proof-of-concept Lab-scale specimens using existing infrastructure; no process qualification
Note: Further investment and customer partnership in HY-SHIELD® are needed to define requirements and advance development.
Technical Contact & Collaboration

Partner with Us on HY-SHIELD® Development

Specialty Materials welcomes technical discussions with fusion programs, research institutions, and industry partners interested in advancing hybrid composite shielding concepts. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, share feedback, or explore collaborative R&D opportunities.

Specialty Materials — Advanced composite materials for aerospace and fusion research.

References to Tokamak Energy relate solely to specific technical collaboration activities and do not indicate a broader partnership, endorsement, or joint commercial offering.