Surface Energy in the Processes of Disintegration of Solids

Objective . The purpose of the study is to experimentally measure the surface energy of solids during their grinding. Method . The study is based on the use of methods for determining the surface tension of solids. At least 20-25% of all electricity produced in the world is spent on grinding materials in industry. When the resulting particles are reduced to tens of nanometers, the contribution of surface energy (st) to the grinding work becomes so large that it is difficult not to take it into account. Measuring the surface tension of liquids has long been proven. But measuring (st) of solids causes great difficulties. Currently, more than twenty methods for determining (st) are known. Result . Based on the phenomenon of spontaneous bending of thin thread-like structures, a method for determining (st) has been developed. Examples are given in which (st) at the phase interface plays an important role in obtaining samples with a microstructure using the method of severe plastic deformation (SPD). To obtain fine metal powders, one of the variants of the SPD method has been proposed. A method has been found for the physical activation of aluminum granules, which increases the reaction rate of the metal in an aqueous environment by about a thousand times. This is necessary for the development of an anaerobic power plant capable of operating at great depths. Conclusion . The new technology makes it possible to obtain high-purity, non-oxidized metal powders without toxic waste and emissions and with energy costs lower than in all known methods.