Optimisation of ECX permeation barriers towards thicker alumina

Abstract

The current development with respect to modifying the ECX (electrochemical X-deposition) process towards thicker alumina formed by heat treatment of aluminium electroplated on steel is described. As anticipated, changing the heat treatment atmosphere from argon to air or prolonging holding at high temperature (980 °C) increases the amount of alumina, but exposure to liquid lithium–lead eutectic reveals weak spots present in the alumina layers. The thickness of alumina produced is in the range of 1–2 µm for holding at 980 °C in air for 0.5–2 h.

Keywords

• Magnetic-confinement fusion
• Breeding blanket
• Tritium
• Electroplating
• Ionic liquid
• Aluminium