Pellets with a Li deficiency of about 5% were prepared by using wet or dry routes, and were tested  in situ  for T release under essentially the same environmental conditions. It was found that both the wet- and dry-route specimens were characterized by a density that was equal to 80% of the theoretical value, exhibited almost fully open porosity, and a grain size of less than 0.5. The T removal rate changes, following temperature or sweeping gas changes during irradiation, were almost the same for both materials; in spite of their differing preparation routes and impurity concentrations. The ionic conductivities, as determined by means of impedance spectroscopy, were also similar. The presence of an Al5LiO8 spinel phase in both samples appeared to affect the defect structure-related transport properties of both Li and T in these materials.

F.Alessandrini, C.Alvani, S.Casadio, M.R.Mancini, C.A.Nannetti: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 1995, 224[3], 236-44