Shear stress can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on catalysts. On the positive side, it can enhance the mass transfer rates, thereby improving the efficiency of catalytic reactions. High shear rates can help in the dispersion of reactants across the catalyst surface, leading to more uniform reactions. On the downside, excessive shear stress can lead to physical degradation of the catalyst, such as attrition or erosion, which can reduce its effectiveness over time.
