The role of ball mass, surface, and contact dynamics in mechanochemical reactions

Abstract

In this work, the influence of milling ball properties on energy transfer and mixing efficiency was systematically investigated by decoupling mass, surface area, and kinetic energy. To achieve this, hollow and solid balls of different sizes were employed, allowing independent variation of these parameters. Additionally, cylindrical and round-ended milling tools were additionally used to study the effects of surface geometry and contact dynamics. Yield normalization by energy input, ball mass, and surface area enables clearer correlation between individual ball characteristics and milling efficiency. This approach provides a more detailed understanding of how individual mechanical properties contribute to overall process performance.

Graphical abstract: The role of ball mass, surface, and contact dynamics in mechanochemical reactions

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
27 Nov 2025
Accepted
28 Jan 2026
First published
28 Jan 2026
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

RSC Mechanochem., 2026, Advance Article

The role of ball mass, surface, and contact dynamics in mechanochemical reactions

M. F. Rappen, J. Mäder, T. Schwemin, S. Grätz and L. Borchardt, RSC Mechanochem., 2026, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5MR00146C

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