Mechanical activation and, specifically, high-energy ball milling, grants strong increment of typical micrometric powder performance. This enhancement is comparable and, in some cases, superior to the one granted by the use of nanomaterials. At the same time the product of mechanical activation maintains micrometric dimensions.
With respect to nanometric raw materials, handling is eased. Consequently, it is possible to attain a consistent reduction of direct costs (procurement of the material) as well as indirect costs (connected to safety and handling) without performance penalty.