Today, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced that the "Tianwen-4" probe, currently on a deep space exploration mission, has successfully traversed Jupiter's intense radiation belt and transmitted the first batch of high-resolution radar images of the ocean beneath the ice crust of Europa. Behind this historic breakthrough is the first comprehensive application of a "Super-Radiation-Resistant Phenyl-Fluorosilicone Flexible Protective Skin" on the probe's critical electronic components and solar panel surfaces. Jointly developed by the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the China Academy of Space Technology, this material maintained excellent insulation and structural integrity under an accumulated radiation dose of up to 10 million rads, marking that China has reached an international leading level in materials for deep space extreme environments. According to the project's chief scientist, the radiation environment in Jupiter's orbit is extremely harsh, with high-energy electron and proton fluxes capable of destroying the insulation layers of ordinary electronic equipment within weeks. Traditional polyimide materials become brittle and crack under long-term radiation, while ordinary silicone rubber is prone to main chain scission. The R&D team innovatively constructed a dual-protection mechanism of "Phenyl Shielding - Fluorosilicone Skeleton": utilizing the high electron cloud density of phenyl groups to effectively scatter high-energy particles and protect internal circuits, while introducing fluorine-containing side chains to enhance the material's resistance to atomic oxygen corrosion. Field test data showed that after being exposed to a simulated Jupiter radiation belt environment for six months, the skin retained 90% of its tensile strength and showed no micro-cracks or degradation in electrical performance. The chief designer of "Tianwen-4" stated: "This material is like an 'invisible bulletproof vest' for the probe, allowing us to dare to conduct long-term, detailed exploration in the most dangerous regions of the solar system." It is reported that this technological achievement has been included in the promotion catalog of the National Major Special Project for Deep Space Exploration. In the future, it will be widely applied in the outer protection systems of next-generation solar probes, interstellar transit spacecraft, and lunar research stations, providing solid material support for China's transition from a major aerospace power to a leading aerospace power.
Phenyl Elastomer IOTA BHTV 3036