The impact of tritium on the structure and properties of Pd-membranes

Investigations into the radiogenic helium effect on mechanical properties a nd structure of the Pd-alloy B-l have been carried out. For accelerated acc umulation of helium in the alloy up to 3190 appm (simulating a long-term pe rmeator operation (similar to6 years) when cleaning up the international th ermonuclear experimental reactors (ITER) spent D-T fuel mix) the alloy was saturated with tritium at room temperature. High tritium solubility was thu s achieved at relatively low pressures. Research results showed that radiog enic helium available in the specimens causes their hardening with signific ant decrease in plasticity. Structural changes in the specimen material hav e not been found. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.