Trial fabrication of beryllides as advanced neutron multiplier

Development of a synthesis method of beryllides as advanced neutron multiplier for DEMO reactors

“…In the previous study, it was confirmed that the intermetallic compound beryllide of Be-Ti could be directly synthesized by the plasma sintering method from mixed elemental powders of Be and Ti at a temperature which is lower than the melting point [3,4]. The present paper describes results of simultaneous synthesis and joining of beryllide using this plasma sintering method for development of beryllide rod fabrication technique.…”

“…In the previous study, preliminary fabrication of beryllide, namely Be-Ti intermetallic, was carried out at sintering temperatures of 1073, 1173 and 1273 K, using mixed Be and Ti powders by the plasma sintering method [3,4]. The melting points of Be 12 Ti (92.3 at.% Be and 7.7 at.% Ti), Be 17 Ti 2 (89.5 at.% Be and 10.5 at.% Ti) and Be 2 Ti (66.7 at.% Be and 33.3 at.% Ti) intermetallic compounds are 1873, 1905 and 1623 K, respectively.…”

“…Beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides) such as Be 12 Ti are one of the most promising advanced neutron multipliers [3,4]. However, beryllide is too brittle for the fabrication of pebbles by conventional methods.…”

Development of the Water Cooled Ceramic Breeder Test Blanket Module in Japan

“…Plasma sintering process consists of plasma generation, resistance heating and pressure application [17,18]. Beryllide synthesis as a Be-Ti intermetallic was carried out using mixed Be and Ti powders by the plasma sintering method.…”

Development of fabrication technologies for advanced breeding functional materials For DEMO reactors

“…However, Be pebbles may not be suitable for the DEMO blanket due to swelling and stability issues with water steam [12]. Thus, beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides) have become promising materials for advanced neutron multipliers [13,14]. Establishing the fabrication technique for beryllides is a key issue in developing advanced neutron multipliers.…”