Effects of gelation and sintering conditions on granulation of Li2TiO3 pebbles from Li–Ti complex solution

Application of Li2TiO3 pebbles was proposed in the Japanese and European blanket design of a fusion reactor. The wet process and direct sol–gel methods are most advantageous from viewpoints of low-cost mass fabrication, reprocessing of lithium-bearing solution and removal of radioactive isotopes. Previously, the target density (80–85% T.D.) of Li2TiO3 pebbles was achieved in the preliminary fabrication test; however, the grain size of Li2TiO3 pebbles was larger than 5 μm and low sphericity. Therefore, the fabrication tests of Li2TiO3 pebbles by the direct-wet process were continued, focusing the effects on dissolving process of Li2TiO3, dropping of the solution into coagulant and drying/calcinating and sintering processes of the droplet for high sphericity and decreasing the cracks of Li2TiO3 pebble surface.