Mechanochemistry of solids -: Real structure and reactivity

The results of detailed structural investigations on mechanically treated quartz, periclase, and zinc ferrite are discussed. The obtained results prove that distribution of the defects depends mainly on the mechanism of treatment. The kind, concentration, and distribution of the defects depend on the specific features of the substance. The formation of surface and volume defects are the reason for mechanically induced metastability. Investigations on the metastability of solids were carried out with the specific aim of influencing reaction processes. Some conclusions of general applications of the mechanical treatment for the increase of reactivity of solids were derived. The increase in surface area accompanying size particle reduction may be of importance for increased reactivity. The investigations reveal that these parameters are caused primarily by structural changes.