Radiation shielding technologies using advanced thermal and cold spray coatings

TWI is developing radiation shielding technologies based on thermal and cold spray deposition, offering a new approach to producing lightweight, modular, and sustainable protection systems for space and fusion applications.

By using metallic and composite feedstocks (e.g. tungsten, boron, bismuth, or polymer–metal blends), sprayed coatings can deliver effective attenuation of neutron and gamma radiation while maintaining excellent mechanical integrity and adhesion to structural substrates. These processes allow for precise control of coating thickness and composition, enabling the creation of graded or functionally tailored barriers.

TWI’s expertise spans the full development cycle — from material selection and process optimisation to coating characterisation, modelling, and performance testing under representative environments. Our facilities include plasma spray, HVOF, arc spray, and cold spray systems, supported by advanced analytical and mechanical testing laboratories.

In addition to space systems, these technologies have strong cross-sector relevance for fusion reactors, nuclear facilities, and high-energy physics installations, where reusability, demisability, and reduced environmental impact are key drivers.

TWI is actively seeking partners for collaborative projects focused on the design, manufacture, and qualification of sprayed radiation shielding materials, supporting next-generation protection concepts for satellites, habitats, and fusion devices.