Syntheses of¹⁰BN nanotubes for shielding deep-space radiations

Boron nitride nanotubes with isotopically enriched 10 B have been synthesized successfully with a high yield and a large quantity in different sizes using a ball milling and annealing process. By optimizing heating atmospheres, different diameter sized 10 BN nanotubes can be obtained. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) analysis confirmed a high content of 10B (96 at %) in the 10 BN nanotubes. © Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd.