Preparation of Millimeter-Sized Li2TiO3 Ceramic Pebbles by Droplet Microfluidics and UV Curing

IF 1.9 4区工程技术 Q1 NUCLEAR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Journal of Fusion Energy Pub Date : 2025-05-25 DOI:10.1007/s10894-025-00498-z

Xin Hu, Guangfan Tan, Liang Cai, Biao Yi, Dajun Xu, Zeyu Gao, Xiaoxu Dong, Yusha Li, Yingchun Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In order to meet the huge demand for millimetre-sized Li₂TiO₃ ceramic pebbles for future fusion reactors, the aim of this work was to develop a combination of microfluidic and UV curing techniques to greatly improve the preparation efficiency. By employing a cross-junction microfluidic device, large-sized droplets were controllably generated and subsequently subjected to in-situ UV curing, enabling rapid solidification of resin-based ceramic slurries. Systematic investigations revealed critical processing parameters: (1) The rheological behavior of ceramic slurries was governed by solid content and dispersant concentration, directly influencing droplet stability during microfluidic manipulation. (2) UV curing efficacy depended on exposure time(10 ~ 40 s), aging time (30 ~ 120 s) and solid content, and the optimised conditions allow complete cross-linking of 2 mm green pebbles. (3) Post-sintering at an ultra-low heating rate (0.5 °C/min) produced Li₂TiO₃ ceramic pebbles with a relatively dense microstructure and high crush load(42 N).This microfluidic and UV curing strategy demonstrates potential process controllability and scalability.

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微滴微流控及紫外光固化法制备毫米级Li2TiO3陶瓷卵石

为了满足未来聚变反应器对毫米级Li2TiO3陶瓷卵石的巨大需求，本研究的目的是开发微流控和UV固化技术的结合，以大大提高制备效率。通过采用交叉结微流控装置，可以可控地产生大尺寸的液滴，然后进行原位UV固化，从而实现树脂基陶瓷浆料的快速固化。系统的研究揭示了关键的工艺参数：(1)陶瓷浆料的流变行为受固体含量和分散剂浓度的影响，直接影响微流控过程中液滴的稳定性。(2)紫外光固化效果取决于曝光时间（10 ~ 40 s）、老化时间（30 ~ 120 s）和固含量，优化后的条件可使2mm绿卵石完全交联。(3)在超低升温速率（0.5℃/min）下烧结后，可制得结构致密的Li2TiO3陶瓷卵石，并具有较高的破碎载荷（42 N）。这种微流体和UV固化策略显示了潜在的过程可控性和可扩展性。

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来源期刊

Journal of Fusion Energy 工程技术-核科学技术

CiteScore

2.20

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

2.3 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Fusion Energy features original research contributions and review papers examining and the development and enhancing the knowledge base of thermonuclear fusion as a potential power source. It is designed to serve as a journal of record for the publication of original research results in fundamental and applied physics, applied science and technological development. The journal publishes qualified papers based on peer reviews. This journal also provides a forum for discussing broader policies and strategies that have played, and will continue to play, a crucial role in fusion programs. In keeping with this theme, readers will find articles covering an array of important matters concerning strategy and program direction.