| Abstract Scope |
Ceramic-based solid breeder materials have garnered significant attention for their role in efficient deuterium-tritium fusion, enabling tritium generation through neutron irradiation of lithium-containing blankets. Various lithium-based oxides, such as Li2TiO3, Li2ZrO3, Li4SiO4, and Li8PbO6, have been investigated with respect to their lithium density, thermo-mechanical properties, melting points, water reactivity, and neutron activation characteristics. Each material offers unique advantages, requiring careful trade-offs when selecting an optimal candidate.
In our work, we conducted a comprehensive study of these oxides, comparing their thermal, structural, microstructural, and mechanical properties. Using volume-controlled spark plasma sintering, we achieved an optimized three-dimensional interconnected porous microstructure. The optimized microstructure is anticipated to enable efficient release of transmuted tritium and helium. Additionally, the fabricated samples demonstrated superior thermo-mechanical performance compared to current state-of-the-art ceramic breeder materials. Stability of the optimized microstructure was further confirmed through isothermal annealing at relevant operational temperatures, showing minimal degradation and maintaining its integrity under thermal exposure. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of volume-controlled SPS in producing porous materials while preserving their thermo-mechanical properties but also addresses a technological gap by establishing the relationship between thermo-mechanical performance and key factors such as microstructure, porosity, and grain size. |