Polymeric stabilization of fused corundum during nanogrinding in stirred media mills

► Milling of stabilized corundum to 60 nm particle diameter. ► DAPRAL GE 202 as suitable stabilizer in ethanol, not in water. ► Extended DLVO stabilization calculations confirmed by experimental results. ► Mechanochemical changes from alumina to aluminum hydroxide during milling in water. ► Zeta potential and adsorption isotherms to analyse stabilization mechanism.