Enhanced dissolution of minerals: Stored energy, amorphism and mechanical activation

A theoretical evaluation of the origin and role of stored energy in the phe nomenon of mechanically-activated dissolution of finely milled minerals has been undertaken, The changing mechanical behaviour of minerals with decrea sing particle size is examined, leading to the treatment of stored energy i n terms of the generation and retention of crystalline imperfections (dislo cations) during extended milling. Development of amorphism, and polymorphis m, is treated as a direct consequence of decreased periodicity in the cryst al lattice that is associated with an increased accumulation of dislocation s. Quantitative estimates of stored energy are presented and used to quanti fy changes in dissolution kinetics in terms of a decreased activation energ y of dissolution and hence, an increase in the relative rate of dissolution . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.