A critical review of Li2O ceramic breeder material properties correlations and data

A blanket concept with Li2O as breeder material, vanadium alloy as structural material and helium as coolant has been considered in the SEAFP reference plant model (SEAFP: Safety and Environmental Assessment of Fusion Power, a European Program). In this report the fabrication procedure of Li2O and its thermophysical and mechanical properties before and after irradiation are reviewed. Data on thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, radiation swelling, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, ultimate compressive strength, ultimate bending strength, thermal creep rate and thermal stress are examined and reported. Moreover, the irradiation effects on Li2O physical integrity, grain growth, tritium retention, diffusivity and helium retention, as well as the problem of lithium transport and Li2O reactivity with water are considered. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.