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Abstract: In the previous blanket neutronics experiments conducted at the FNS facility of Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the following disagreements between experiments and analyses have been pointed out: (1) in the experiment with a 6Li-enriched Li2TiO3 layer and a beryllium layer, the calculation was found to overestimate the tritium production rate (TPR) by approximately 10% when a neutron source reflector composed of SS316 was attached. (2) In the experiment with natural Li2O pebbles sandwiched by beryllium layers, TPR near the rear beryllium layer was overestimated by up to 10%. In order to identify the cause of the above problems clearly, a new blanket neutronics experiment with DT neutrons using natural Li2TiO3 layer and beryllium layers was conducted at FNS. TPR distributions inside the natural Li2TiO3 layer in assemblies with and without the source reflector were measured with Li2CO3 pellets. The measured TPR agreed well with the calculations within 6% in both assemblies. The influence of the reflector and beryllium on TPR prediction accuracy was not seen in the present experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium titanate formed on Ti metal by NaOH and heat treatments induces apatite formation on its surface in a body environment and bonds to living bone. These treatments have been applied to porous Ti metal in artificial hip joints, and have been used clinically in Japan since 2007. Calcium titanate formed on Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta alloy by NaOH, CaCl2, heat, and water treatments induces apatite formation on its surface in a body environment. Titanium oxide formed on porous Ti metal by NaOH, HCl, and heat treatments exhibits osteoinductivity as well as osteoconductivity. This is now under clinical tests for application to a spinal fusion device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs that because of lead's toxicity, the drive to eliminate lead from commercial materials is gaining momentum notably in piezoelectrics like Lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Thus, lead-free piezoelectrics are eagerly sought especially in Japan. It is stated that materials like other titanates and zirconates, and related perovskite-type oxides such as niobates are being considered.