By Josh Perry, Editor
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A recent article from Physics World outlined studies that have been conducted to determine how certain nanomaterials will withstand the extreme environments of space and the various applications that nanomaterials can be used in space travel.

Nanomaterials are the future of space computing, according to an article from Physics World. (Wikimedia Commons)

Thermal resilience is one of the characteristics of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, which have led to investigations into their feasibility in space. As the sophistication of electronics on spacecraft continues to develop, power demands and the requisite thermal management needs are important considerations.

As the article explained, “To meet these wide-ranging demands sophisticated thermal management systems draw on technologies ranging from effective heat conductors and radiators, to layers of sacrificial material on the rocket surface that absorb the heat generated as rockets slow down on entering an atmosphere. Nanostructures are promising materials for heat management systems, which can exploit their large surface area per unit volume for heat transfer.”

One study evaluated the performance of synthetic diamonds with high thermal conductivity, nanoporous materials with copper nanowires as thermal interface materials, and phase-change materials that can absorb heat.

Another potential use for nanomaterials is as a coating to limit the destructive effect of the sun’s radiation outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Nanomaterials can also help create next-generation devices with much smaller footprints, but with higher computing power.

“While the technology of the tiny may seem an unlikely ally for taking on the vast unknown of space, nanostructures clearly have a lot to offer when dealing with harsh environments,” the article continued. “While it remains the case that the level of investment required for each mission discourages gambling with new technologies, comparatively mature fields of CNT and PCM technologies are increasingly staking their claim to play a role in space exploration.”

The author concluded, “The sheer volume of promising alternative nanotechnologies with potential in this sphere however, suggests that when it comes to big space projects, the future is nano.”

Read the full article at https://physicsworld.com/a/can-nanomaterials-take-on-the-extremes-of-space.