Abstract
Helium-Cooled Pebble-Bed (HCPB) will be chosen as the preferred Test Blanket Modules (TBMs) in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and DEMO fusion reactor. Lithium metatitanate (Li2TiO3) ceramic pebbles are proposed as one of promising candidates of solid-type breeder blanket for the outstanding comprehensive performance. Previous fabrication methods still need to be improved on the mild preparation condition, uniform diameter, and high sphericity. In this paper, an improved wet process for pebble fabrication based on polymer-assisted sedimentation is employed. Gel pebbles are formed by dropping the slurry droplets into hot viscous liquid, and the spherical drops are solidified by polymerization reaction inside the droplet during sedimentation. In sintering process, the relationship between the sintering condition and crystalline structure of Li2TiO3 is carefully discussed. Li2TiO3 condensation and phase transitions are studied in particular. Finally, the optimal sintering temperature and time have been determined. This method could meet requirements for industrial mass production of the Li2TiO3 pebbles, due to the mild preparation conditions, simplified transfer and purification process.
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