Studies on the interaction of hydrogen with Li sub(2)TiO sub(3) pebbles and pellets

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 443; no. 1-3; pp. 207 - 211
• Main Authors: Kumar, Sanjay, Mukherjee, Abhishek, Sonak, Sagar, Krishnamurthy, Nagaiyar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Atmospheres; Color; Colour; Density; Exposure; Microcracks; Pellets; Solid solubility
• ISSN: 0022-3115
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2013.07.045

Hydrogen interaction with lithium titanate (Li sub(2)TiO sub(3)) pebbles of diameter in the range of 300-600 [mu]m has been studied at various temperatures and pressures. It was found that solid solubility of hydrogen in Li sub(2)TiO sub(3) is substantially less. Thermogravimetric study of the pebbles in hydrogen atmosphere indicates substantial mass losses. Pebbles change its original brilliant white colour to dark blue in hydrogen atmosphere. Microstructural analysis of pebbles exposed in hydrogen atmosphere indicates the development of multiple micro cracks on the pebbles surface which significantly degrades the mechanical integrity of the pebbles. It was found that the hydrogen exposed pebbles regain its mass and original colour when re-heated in open atmosphere. However, the microcracks developed on the pebbles surface remain unaffected. The effect of hydrogen on the density of the Li sub(2)TiO sub(3) pellets has also been studied and found that it is decreasing with exposure time of hydrogen atmosphere.