Manufacturing Technology of Ceramic Pebbles for Breeding Blanket.

Fusion power reactors require breeding blankets to produce tritium, a key fuel. Current research focuses on materials that can capture neutrons and release tritium efficiently. Lithium orthosilicate has emerged as a candidate due to its neutron capture properties. However, its use is limited by challenges in manufacturing stable pebble forms. Existing methods have not yet met industrial standards. Agglomeration and chemical instability remain unresolved issues. These limitations hinder progress in developing reliable breeding blankets. The need for scalable and stable production methods is clear. This gap motivated the search for alternative fabrication techniques. A new drip casting method was proposed to address these challenges.

This study aimed to develop a new manufacturing method for ceramic pebbles used in fusion reactors. The focus was on creating stable, appropriately sized pebbles from lithium orthosilicate. The goal was to improve upon existing methods that face issues like agglomeration. The drip casting method was selected as a potential solution. It was developed through a collaboration between DICI-University of Pisa and Industrie Bitossi. The method was designed to produce pebbles with diameters between 0.1 and 1 mm. The study sought to validate the feasibility of this new approach. It aimed to provide a scalable alternative for fusion reactor applications.

The study utilized a drip casting method to produce ceramic pebbles. This method was developed through a joint effort between academic and industrial partners. The process involved forming lithium orthosilicate into spherical shapes. The pebbles were designed to have diameters in the 0.1–1 mm range. The method was tested for its ability to avoid agglomeration issues. Material properties were evaluated for stability and performance. The process was compared to existing industrial techniques. The method's potential for scaling to industrial levels was assessed.

The drip casting method successfully produced ceramic pebbles from lithium orthosilicate. The pebbles had diameters within the desired 0.1–1 mm range. The method showed improved stability compared to previous techniques. Agglomeration was reduced, indicating better chemical stability. The pebbles demonstrated low activation characteristics. They also showed low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity. The method was found to be scalable for industrial production. These results suggest the method is a viable alternative for fusion applications.

The drip casting method offers a promising alternative for producing ceramic pebbles. It addresses key manufacturing challenges such as agglomeration. The method produces pebbles with suitable size and material properties. The results support its potential for use in fusion reactors. The collaboration between academic and industrial partners was critical. The method meets the basic requirements for breeding blanket materials. Further testing is needed to confirm long-term stability. The study provides a foundation for future industrial development.