Biopolymer-based dielectric materials for space environments

The potential of bio-dielectrics for space applications was explored using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based biopolymers. Un-doped DNA, as well as titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle (rutile form)-doped DNA were processed and evaluated. Characterized parameters were temperature stability, resistivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss and radiation tolerance. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of un-doped DNA and TiO2-doped DNA were measured for both pre- and post-exposure to approximately 100 krad Gamma-ray radiation. There was little change in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the un-doped DNA sample with exposure to radiation. However, there was a significant reduction in the dielectric constant of the TiO2-doped DNA sample.