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Synthesis and Processing of Li-Based Ceramic Tritium Breeder Materials

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Handbook on Synthesis Strategies for Advanced Materials

Part of the book series: Indian Institute of Metals Series ((IIMS))

Abstract

Fusion energy has undisputable potential to cope with the challenges of increasing global energy demand and to protect the environment from global warming. The construction of a fusion reactor based on the D–T fuel cycle has been at the forefront of fusion energy research. Due to insufficient availability of tritium in nature and limited global inventory, the fusion reactors ought to breed their tritium. Tritium is produced in a blanket containing Li-based compounds called tritium breeding blanket surrounding the fusion reactor. Li-based ceramics are candidate materials for the fabrication of tritium breeding blankets. In order to attain tritium self-sufficiency, the blanket must produce enough tritium so as to maintain the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) greater than 1. The present chapter reviews R&D results of powder synthesis, consolidation to form shapes and sintering of Li-based ceramics. Further, this chapter summarizes the challenges and opportunities concerning the processing of Li-based ceramic tritium breeding materials.

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  1. Powder Metallurgy Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Vashi Complex, Navi, Mumbai, 400705, India

    Biranchi M. Tripathi & Deep Prakash

  2. Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    A. K. Tyagi

  3. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India

    Biranchi M. Tripathi, A. K. Tyagi & Deep Prakash

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    A. K. Tyagi

  2. Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Raghumani S. Ningthoujam

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Tripathi, B.M., Tyagi, A.K., Prakash, D. (2021). Synthesis and Processing of Li-Based Ceramic Tritium Breeder Materials. In: Tyagi, A.K., Ningthoujam, R.S. (eds) Handbook on Synthesis Strategies for Advanced Materials. Indian Institute of Metals Series. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-1892-5_18

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