AGING EFFECTS OF LaNi_(4.7)Al_(0.3) LOADED WITH DEUTERIUM TRITIUM

Deuterium tritium hybrid has been loaded on some LaNi 4.7 Al 0.3 samples and stored at room temprature for 480 and 1 120 days.The LaNi 4.7 Al 0.3 deuterotritide can retain nearly all the decay 3He. The tritium aging effects are observed by determining the equilibrium desorption isotherms for the deuterotritide.These effects include:(1) a decrease in the equilibrium plateau pressure;(2) an increase in the plateau slope;(3) a reduction in the reversible storage capacity;(4) the formation of tightly bound tritium or deuterium which is often referred as the hydrogen isotopic heel. It is found that heating to 623 K and vacuuming can reverse some of the tritium aging effects.