Synthesis and Characterization of Composites of Beryllia and Lithium-titanate Produced by Solid State Route

Abstract

Beryllium oxide (BeO) is proposed to be used as a constituent for lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) based composite material for neutron multiplication and breeding in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) for its high thermal conductivity, low neutron absorption cross-section and high neutron reflection cross section. In the present investigation, we report the synthesis of single phase BeO-Li2TiO3 composites with BeO to Li2TiO3 (produced through solid state route) in volume ratios of 80:20, 75:25, 65:35 and 55:45. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The values of thermal conductivity for BeO-Li2TiO3 composites with BeO to Li2TiO3 in volume ratios of 80:20, 75:25, 65:35 and 55:45 have been obtained by thermal diffusivity measurements and specific heat measurements. The electrical conductivity of the composites has been obtained from impedance measurements. The mechanical properties of the materials have been evaluated. From the present investigation, it could be concluded that it is possible to achieve tritium breeding ratio (TBR) more than 1.1 by optimizing the BeO and Li2TiO3 ratio with better mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared to the use of lithium titanate alone in the fusion reactor with metallic Be.

Keywords: Beryllium oxide, lithium titanate, ITER, Tritium breeding ratio, neutron multiplier, neutron breeder