Preliminary characterization of plasma-sintered beryllides as advanced neutron multipliers

Advanced neutron multipliers with low swelling and high stability at high temperatures are desired for pebble bed blankets of demonstration fusion power (DEMO) reactors. Beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides) are the most promising advanced neutron multipliers. The plasma sintering method has been selected as a new synthesis method for beryllides because this method is very simple and easy to control. Plasma sintering is a non-conventional consolidation process. The plasma sintering results in starting-powder particle surface activation that enhances sinterability and reduces high temperature exposure. The sintering properties of beryllides were evaluated. Results show that intermetallic beryllide compounds such as Be12Ti, Be17Ti2 and Be2Ti can be directly synthesized by the plasma sintering method from mixed elemental powders of Be and Ti at a temperature below the melting point. The preliminary characterization of plasma-sintered Be-Ti beryllide was carried out including examination of oxidation with water vapor, microstructure analysis, irradiation effects, and deuterium retention compared with beryllium (Be) metal. The preliminary characterization revealed that the plasma-sintered Be-Ti beryllide sample performs well as a neutron multiplier. This beryllide sample has better oxidation resistance, higher radiation resistance and lower deuterium retention than Be metal.