Mechanochemical Activation of Minerals: A Pathway to Green Cements and Material Innovation, 25 September 2025, 10:00-12:00

Join us for a two-hour workshop exploring mechanochemical activation (MCA), a transformative approach to sustainable material development with far-reaching implications for climate action.

Led by Ilda Tole, this session will unpack how MCA can potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by eliminating high-temperature kilns, minimizing cement use, and enabling electrified, renewable-powered processing. Participants will gain insights into MCA’s cross-sector potential, from construction to batteries, catalysis, and pharmaceuticals.

Workshop Highlights:

• Climate urgency and materials innovation: framing the global challenge
• Deep dive into MCA: principles, mechanisms, and climate relevance
• Application examples: clays, slags, mine tailings, and emerging sectors
• Industry insights: process features, practical insights and operational considerations
• Interactive challenge: explore MCA use cases and barriers to adoption

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand MCA’s role in reducing CO₂ emissions in material production
• Identify minerals suitable for MCA processing
• Recognise key equipment and operational considerations
• Discuss opportunities and challenges in applying MCA across sectors
• Reflect on how MCA could inform future research or industrial practice

This workshop is ideal for those seeking to integrate low-emission technologies into their work and collaborate across disciplines to drive material innovation.

Presenters:

Dr. Ilda Tole is a researcher at the University of Bath, in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. With a background in materials engineering, she earned her PhD in Building Materials from Lulea University of Technology in Sweden. Her research focuses on sustainable construction materials and low-carbon cement innovation, with particular emphasis on the mechanochemical activation of clays and industrial residues. She works at the intersection of materials science and engineering application, contributing to international research and knowledge-exchange projects aimed at enabling scalable, low-emission infrastructure solutions.

Industry Partner: RETSCH GmbH
RETSCH is a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment for sample preparation and particle size analysis, known for its advanced milling and sieving technologies. Their solutions are widely used in research and quality control, particularly in mechanochemistry and materials development.

Dr. Tanja Butt is Team Leader at RETSCH GmbH, a global leader in the development of high-quality laboratory equipment for sample preparation and particle size analysis. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the Research Centre Jülich and brings extensive experience in research, product development, and scientific communication.
At RETSCH, Dr. Butt plays a key role in driving innovation in milling and sieving technologies. Her work supports a wide range of applications across industries and research fields, including mechanochemistry, where she contributes to the development of equipment that enables solvent-free chemical reactions through mechanical force. Her involvement in this emerging field reflects a broader commitment to sustainable and efficient laboratory practices.
Dr. Butt regularly shares her expertise through webinars, publications, and industry events, helping users optimize their sample preparation workflows and stay informed about the latest technological advancements.

Date and time:

Thursday 25 September 2025, 10:00-12:00, Online via Zoom

How to register:

As this event is open to a wider audience, including delegates from non-UK universities and industry, please follow the registration instructions below:

For delegates from non-UK universities and industry:
Please register your interest by completing this form. We will review all submissions and follow up to confirm your place.

For delegates from UK universities:
Please register using the “Book Online” button below or directly via Inkpath.