State of the art in production, properties and applications of the microcrystalline sintered corundum abrasive grains

Abstract

The following article presents the current state of knowledge about technologies connected with microcrystalline sintered corundum against the backdrop of present abrasive products and the contemporary grains market. The complementary presentation of issues related to the microcrystalline sintered corundum abrasive grains, which constitute an important group of abrasives used in modern grinding technology, was given. The most important stages in the development of sintered corundum grains production technology, from the 1960s to current developments (nanocrystalline sintered corundum) in this field, were presented in chronological order. The production technology, properties, working conditions, wear phenomena and most important areas of application of such abrasive grains were described. Particular attention was paid to the wear phenomena of microcrystalline sintered corundum abrasive grains occurring during the grinding process. The collection of phenomena affecting the extension of the life of these types of grain in comparison with the white fused alumina grains were described. Moreover, forecasts concerning the development of abrasive grains of micro-and nanocrystalline sintered corundum were presented.

The identification of abrasive grains in the decohesion process by acoustic emission signal patterns

“…In previous studies, we presented the view that the presence of aluminum nitride in AlON grains affects their significantly higher hardness at high temperatures, in comparison with the most common grains based on Al 2 O 3 [8,9]. The content of aluminum nitride also prevents the surface of these grains being wetted by molten steel.…”

An Original Tribometer to Analyze the Behavior of Abrasive Grains in the Grinding Process

“…In addition to the innovations in superabrasives, the most important breakthrough with regard to alumina is the microcrystalline sintered structure studied by Norton Company that became part of the Saint-Gobain group in 1990, SG™. These abrasive grains are characterized by a self-sharpening capacity due to randomly orientated micro-crystals of 0.1-5 µm in size [3]. Currently, these continuous improvements lead to variations in grain shapes, long cylinders or triangle shapes (among others), with the aim of enhancing cutting efficiency and minimizing abrasive grain wear [3,4].…”

“…These abrasive grains are characterized by a self-sharpening capacity due to randomly orientated micro-crystals of 0.1-5 µm in size [3]. Currently, these continuous improvements lead to variations in grain shapes, long cylinders or triangle shapes (among others), with the aim of enhancing cutting efficiency and minimizing abrasive grain wear [3,4]. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the behavior of abrasive grains under heavy grinding conditions.…”

An Original Tribometer to Analyze the Behavior of Abrasive Grains in the Grinding Process

“…In addition to the innovations in superabrasives, the most important breakthrough with regard to alumina is the microcrystalline sintered structure studied by the 3M Company, SG TM . These abrasive grains are characterized by a self-sharpening capacity due to randomly orientated micro-crystals of 0.1-5 µm in size [3]. Currently, these continuous improvements lead to a variations in grain shapes, long cylinders or triangle shapes (among others), with the aim of enhancing cutting efficiency and minimizing abrasive grain wear [3], [4].…”

“…These abrasive grains are characterized by a self-sharpening capacity due to randomly orientated micro-crystals of 0.1-5 µm in size [3]. Currently, these continuous improvements lead to a variations in grain shapes, long cylinders or triangle shapes (among others), with the aim of enhancing cutting efficiency and minimizing abrasive grain wear [3], [4]. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the behavior of abrasive grains under heavy grinding conditions.…”