First results of the investigation of Li2ZrO3 and Li2TiO3 pebbles

Li2ZrO3 and Li2TiO3 ceramics are attractive ceramic breeder materials. Li2ZrO3 and Li2TiO3 pebbles are investigated at CEA as alternative ceramic breeders for the E.U. helium-cooled pebble bed DEMO blanket. Two fabrication processes are being evaluated: extrusion/spheronization/sintering and agglomeration/sintering. Characteristics of pebbles of the first batches produced are reported: shape, size, density, grain size, specific surface area, crush strength, and tritium release.