Junction-Stabilized Graphene Aerogels for Cryogenic Insulation and Lightweight Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Long-duration deep-space missions and reusable cryogenic stages require insulation that remains dimensionally stable at liquid-hydrogen temperatures, adds very little mass, and provides at least modest attenuation of ionizing radiation. Conventional polymer foams become brittle and crack after repeated cryogenic cycling in vacuum. Multi-layer insulation is thermally efficient but offers almost no radiation protection and loses performance when compressed. This paper describes a graphene aerogel whose open-cell network is locked at the sheet junctions by in-situ formed metallic nano-clusters. Two practical variants are defined: a lower-metal thermal-primary grade optimised for minimum conductivity and maximum recovery, and a higher-metal radiation-enhanced grade that trades a modest increase in density for improved secondary-radiation attenuation. An optional thin hermetic skin prevents gas and moisture ingress. The material is intended to be applied directly to tank walls or instrument enclosures as a compliant blanket.