Abrasive Grains 101 | Contents

PREFACE

Scope of this Guide
Role of the Grain Division Standards, Abrasive Microgrits and Analytical Procedures Committee

TYPES OF ABRASIVES

Naturally Occurring vs. Manufactured
Manufactured Abrasives
1. Chemical Composition
A. Aluminum Oxide-Based
B. Silicon Carbide
C. Other Manufactured Abrasives
2. Shapes
3. Heat Treatments
4. Surface Treatments

Most Common Methods
Furnacing Aluminum Oxide
Furnacing Silicon Carbide
Size reduction
Size Classification
Sintering

CHARACTERIZATION OF ABRASIVES

How Big Is This Particle?
Methods of Measurement
Screen Sizing Using Test Sieves
Calibration of Test Sieves
Microgrits: Sedimentation
Microgrits: Electrical Resistance Method
Other Methods of Measurement
Variability Within and Between Testing Methods

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SIZE STANDARDS

MACROGRITS
MICROGRITS

APPENDICES

I. Glossary
II. List of standards supported by the UAMA Standards Committee
III. Standard Sands for the Abrasives IndustryGLOSSARY