Mechanochemical synthesis of nanostructured and composite oxide ceramics: From mechanisms to tailored properties

Abstract Mechanochemical synthesis is a technology formed in the 1950s. By applying mechanical energy, mechanochemical synthesis stimulates chemical reactions, causing structural and phase changes and enabling difficult or otherwise impossible reactions to occur. Mechanochemical reactions are relatively safe, clean and efficient. At present, the synthesis of oxide ceramic materials by mechanochemical methods has attracted widespread attention. In the production of oxide ceramic materials, the characteristics of ceramic powder have a certain influence on the molding, sintering, microstructure, and mechanical properties of subsequent ceramics. In this paper, the research progress of mechanical chemistry in the synthesis of nanostructures and composite oxide ceramic powders is reviewed. The effects of process parameters such as ball milling time, speed, atmosphere, grinding media, additives, and ball‐to‐powder ratio on reaction kinetics, phase formation, and powder properties are summarized. In addition, challenges and opportunities for ceramic powder synthesis are also discussed.