mechanoradical
A mechanoradical is a radical species formed when mechanical energy is converted into chemical reactivity. Unlike photochemical or thermal radicals, mechanoradicals arise from mechanical stress, friction, or agitation of a molecule or solid, often in polymers or condensed-phase materials.
Under mechanical force, covalent bonds may undergo homolytic cleavage, generating radical centers. The effect is more
Mechanoradicals can be produced by ultrasonication in solution, ball milling or dry grinding, high-shear mixing, or
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is commonly used to directly observe radical species. Spin-trapping agents and
Mechanoradicals enable mechanochemical reactions such as solvent-free polymerizations, surface functionalization, self-healing materials, and stress-responsive chemistries. They