Mechanically Induced Reactivity of Solids

Abstract

The action of mechanical energy on solids effects changes to their structure.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Mechanochemistry, tribochemistry, mechanical alloying – retrospect, achievements and challenges

“…45,111,127 The main chemical systems of study in the 20 th century were inorganic solids, metals, explosives, minerals, polymers and, to a smaller extent, pharmaceuticals. 9–11,16,17,50,61,78,111–113,116–119,128–130 In the 21 st century interest has extended largely towards organic and organometallic synthesis. A large variety of reactions have been documented, which are highly selective, which have yields approaching 100%, or that are ecologically friendly and economically acceptable.…”

Mechanochemical Methods

“…[21][22][23][24]). These depend on the size of particles and on the presence of defects in their crystal structure.…”

Analysis of Asbestos in Bulk Materials by X-Ray Diffraction: Influence of Grinding Methods on the Result

“…the consequences of ultrasonic treatment on the properties and the physico-chemical behaviour of particle surfaces, similar to a mechanical action [23]; interaction between solid and fluid phases after a mechano-chemical treatment of quartz and asbestos [24]; surface active sites (atoms, ions, dangling bonds) and molecular modifications consequent to comminution [25]; chemical functionalities, present on the extremities of mineral fibres, and their increase by mechanical rupture [26]. Some interesting examples of changes in the structure of solids and in the related reactivity consequent to fine comminution were given in a recent paper in this magazine [27]: "mechanical activation" may produce mechano-luminescence (e.g. tribo-luminescence), emission of radiations (fracto-emission), transformation of molecular composition (as in mullite, produced by high-energy grinding of kaolin).…”