MeCheM project: Request for Partners

Context

Mechanochemistry has been gaining prominence as a powerful tool for molecular transformations, offering numerous advantages such as improved solvent and energy efficiency, as well as better control over reaction conditions in chemical processes. Despite its clear potential, several hurdles must be addressed before mechanochemistry can be widely adopted at an industrial scale. The exact chemical mechanisms involved often remain a “black box”, and scaling up from a laboratory mill into industrial relevant equipment remains highly unpredictable. Therefore, insights, which are located on the interface between chemistry and reactor design, are needed to overcome these hurdles.

Goals

The MeCheM project aims to advance the understanding of mechanochemical processes and facilitate the transition from batch-based methods, such as ball milling, to scalable continuous processes by exploring multi-purpose reactors (e.g., a modified DynoMill, Planetary Roller Extruder, single-screw extruders, and resonant acoustic mixers). This will be achieved through setting up a collaborative industrial research platform among partners from various sectors, enabling the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and equipment.

To enable a fair comparison of different mechanochemical techniques, the MeCheM project will study key process parameters and their impact on reaction performance. This includes analyzing how factors such as shearing, stretching, grinding, heat exchange, heat control, and milling time affect reaction conversions, kinetics, and selectivity. Additionally, the project will examine the influence of reactor type and materials and other critical mechanochemical variables.

As a result of the MeCheM project, an overview of ‘optimal industrial practices’ for different types/groups of chemical transformations will be developed.