Accurate and uniform fabrication of Li2TiO3 pebbles with high properties based on Stereolithography technology

Li₂TiO₃ is a vital candidate breeder to solve tritium self-consistency of fusion reaction. In this study, Digital Light Processing (DLP) based on Stereolithography technology was used to fabricate Li₂TiO₃ pebbles for the first time. Ceramic suspensions with different solid loadings were prepared by mixing modified Li₂TiO₃ powder with UV-curable premixture. The size error of Li₂TiO₃ green pebbles was corrected by adjusting the deformation factor of equatorial radius, and the Li₂TiO₃ green pebbles were successfully fabricated with an accurate size. After sintering processing, the Li₂TiO₃ pebbles with a uniform diameter of 1.5 mm and better sphericity of 1.01 were yielded. The sintering behavior of Li₂TiO₃ pebbles were investigated. Results showed that the Li₂TiO₃ pebbles formed with 35 vol% solid loading, and sintered at 1050 ℃ had a uniform pore distribution, and also had optimal properties, such as high relative density of 93.6 %TD, and prominent crush load of 92.3 N.