The concept of using mechanical force to initiate chemical reactions is called Mechanical Chemistry (Mechanochemistry) and it has been around for thousands of years. Mechanical Chemistry is an interface between chemistry and mechanical engineering. It applies mechanical energy in the form of rubbing, grinding or milling. It is possible to synthesize chemical products by using mechanical action only. The mechanisms of mechanochemical transformations are often complex and different from usual photochemical mechanisms. The method of ball milling is widely used in which mechanical force is used to achieve chemical processing and transformations. Mechanical chemistry is radically differing from the traditional way of dissolving, heating and stirring chemicals in a solution, because it eliminates the need of solvents. Mechanical chemistry could help in making many chemical processes used by industry more environmentally friendly.
