Solid state blanket breeding materials for controlled thermonuclear reactor. Present status of research on Li₂O

Lithium oxide (Li₂O) has been selected as a solid state blanket breeding material with the helium coolant in a conceptional design of a controlled thermonuclear reactor in JAERI. In this light, a whole range of properties about Li₂O compacts, including under the operating conditions, has been studied using a variety of experimental techniques in JAERI. This article deals with the present status of the research about Li₂O compacts. Following the brief description of the blanket performances, preparation methods of sintered pellets, physical and physico-chemical properties, compatibilities with metals and alloys, and irradiation behaviors of Li₂O are presented. (auth.)