# Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding Using Carbon Nanotube and Nanoparticle Composites
## 5 Potential Applications and Associated Challenges of Shielding Materials
### Applications
Aerospace radiation shielding: Aerospace radiation shielding applications of CNT-based fabrics include integrating these materials into spacecraft structures to provide radiation shielding for astronauts and sensitive electronic equipment, developing CNT-based fabrics for satellite shielding to protect against cosmic radiation and solar flares, and fabricating lightweight, radiation-resistant spacesuits using CNT-based nanocomposite fabrics. Nuclear industry: In the nuclear industry, CNT-based fabrics have several potential applications. These include the development of protective clothing for nuclear power plant workers, the fabrication of radiation-shielding materials for nuclear waste storage containers, and the creation of portable radiation-shielding devices, such as lightweight barriers or tents, for emergency response situations. Military applications: Military applications of CNT-based fabrics include developing lightweight, radiation-resistant body armor for military personnel, fabricating portable radiation shielding structures, such as command centers or medical facilities, and integrating these fabrics into military vehicles to provide radiation shielding for personnel and equipment. CNT-based hybrid fabrics using tungsten and other nanoparticles can be customized to shield different types of electromagnetic radiation. Research and laboratory settings: In research and laboratory settings, CNT-based fabrics can be utilized for developing shielding materials to protect sensitive scientific instruments from background radiation, fabricating radiation shielding enclosures for research laboratories working with radioactive materials, and creating personal protective equipment, such as gloves or aprons, for researchers handling radioactive samples. Wearable electronics: CNT-based fabrics are being integrated into various wearable technologies to enhance user safety and functionality. These fabrics are incorporated into wearable electronic devices, providing both EMI shielding and higher energy radiation protection. Additionally, CNT-based fabrics are utilized in developing smart textiles, such as radiation-resistant clothing designed for workers in high-risk environments. Furthermore, these innovative materials are used to fabricate flexible, radiation-shielding components for wearable medical devices, including pacemakers and insulin pumps, offering added protection and durability. These applications demonstrate the versatility and potential of CNT-based fabrics for photon attenuation in various industries and settings. Emerging area of Countering Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): The current development of DEWs around the world jeopardizes the security of national defense and civil infrastructure systems. Consequently, there is a need for developing shielding materials to partially block the transmission of different forms of high-power directed energy. Developing various materials to counter DEWs is an emerging application area [84; 85; 86]. There are different forms of DEWs, which include high-power microwaves (HPWs), high-power lasers (HPLs), and nuclear radiation (NR) including Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) and Enhanced Radiation Weapons (ERWs) [82]. Concepts for shielding materials are described below. These are proposed new areas of application. Manufacturing these materials includes fabricating textiles and polymeric composite layered structures and intercalating appropriate particles within the materials, along with integrating different types of fabrics within these materials. Understanding Compton scattering is important for radiation shielding design as it can lead to scattered radiation. Blocking High Energy Lasers (HPLs). Layered CNT hybrid materials are proposed for blocking high-energy lasers. These materials can reduce penetration from a laser because the laser must burn through multiple layers and interfaces one by one. Each layer produces smoke and dress that partially block the laser.