Cellular structures with interconnected microchannels

US9881699B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Regents of the University of California · US
• Ultramet · US

Inventors

• Robert Shahram Shaefer · Camarillo, US
• Nasr M. Ghoniem · Los Angeles, US
• Brian E. Williams · Struthers, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2018
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/24997
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for fabricating a cellular tritium breeder component includes obtaining a reticulated carbon foam skeleton comprising a network of interconnected ligaments. The foam skeleton is then melt-infiltrated with a tritium breeder material, for example, lithium zirconate or lithium titanate. The foam skeleton is then removed to define a cellular breeder component having a network of interconnected tritium purge channels. In an embodiment the ligaments of the foam skeleton are enlarged by adding carbon using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) prior to melt-infiltration. In an embodiment the foam skeleton is coated with a refractory material, for example, tungsten, prior to melt infiltration.