Neutron Beam Irradiation of Geopolymer Samples made from Lunar Regolith Simulant

Shielding astronauts and sensitive equipment from radiation is a big challenge for human and robotic exploration of the Moon. Previous studies indicate that geopolymer made from lunar regolith might be a promising material to protect astronauts from Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Particle Events. Experiments on sintered lunar regolith samples investigated radiation protection properties of the material. No such experiments have been carried out on geopolymer samples made from lunar regolith simulant. The objectives of the planned activity are to: Direct a high energy neutron beam on different geopolymer samples, using the capabilities of the ChipIR instrument; gain a publishable set of data on the absorption of geopolymer from lunar regolith simulants with and without basalt fibre reinforcement; and assess neutron shielding capabilities of geopolymer made from lunar regolith simulant.