Important reaction parameters in the synthesis of phenylphosphonic acid functionalized titania particles by reactive milling

Abstract

Surface functionalized titania particles are obtained using a high energy planetary ball mill. A parameter that is often overseen while applying this technique is the grinding bowl and grinding sphere material which has a crucial influence on the energy impact in the milling process. In this paper we describe the influence of the grinding bowl focusing on a zirconia ceramic material and comparing the results with experiments performed using a WC/Co-hard metal grinding bowl. The degrees of surface coverage as well as tribochemical phase transitions are dependent on the grinding bowl material. Due to the lower density of ZrO₂-ceramic the overall energy input is lower. As a result the surface coverage and amount of phase transition decreased when using a zirconia ceramic grinding bowl instead of the WC/Co-hard metal grinding bowl. Lower impurity concentration in the final material was achieved due to the better abrasion behavior of the zirconia grinding bowl.