Surface conditioning article

Abstract

A surface conditioning article is presented that includes a base coupled to a plurality of elongate elements, the plurality of elongate elements include a molded material having a dispersed polymer phase. The dispersed polymer phase including a polymer having a high molecular weight polymer. The high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of greater than about 150,000 g / mol and less than about 950,000 g / mol.

Description

[0001] SURFACE CONDITIONING ARTICLE

[0002] Background

[0003] Surface conditioning discs and brushes are generally known for use in various cleaning, finishing, and deburring applications. Some surface conditioning articles include abrasive particles.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Brushes have been used to polish, clean, and abrade a wide variety of substrates. These brush products typically have a plurality of bristles that contact the substrate. The bristles have, historically, been formed by a moldable composition that includes a lubricant.

[0006] A surface conditioning article is presented that includes a base coupled to a plurality of elongate elements, the plurality of elongate elements include a molded material having a dispersed polymer phase. The dispersed polymer phase including a polymer having a high molecular weight polymer. The high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of greater than about 150,000 g / mol and less than about 950,000 g / mol.

[0007] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

[0008] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1A-C illustrates an example surface conditioning article with elongate components in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a graph of normalized abrasive cut rate against different molecular weights of polyethylene.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of forming a surface conditioning article in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0012] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate steps in the formation process of a surface conditioning article in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0013] Detailed Description of the Figures

[0014] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments described herein that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0015] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "the" component may include one or more of the components and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Further, the term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0016] It is noted that the terms "comprises" and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanying description. Moreover, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably herein.

[0017] Relative terms such as left, right, forward, rearward, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective observed in the particular figure. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "one or more embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0019] Described herein are “surface conditioning articles” that may include articles used for cleaning, removal of debris, abrading of surfaces (e.g. polishing, texturing, refining, deburring, sanding), or other suitable operations. Some surface conditioning articles described herein include abrasive particles and / or polishing particles in one or more components. However, it is expressly contemplated that many surface conditioning articles in embodiments herein can be formed without abrasive particles.

[0020] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates surface conditioning articles with elongate components in accordance with embodiments herein. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, surface conditioning articles may come in many different configurations. A surface conditioning article 10 may include a hub 104. A plurality of primary elongate elements 100 (e.g., bristles 14) may project outwardly from hub 104, beginning at element roots 22 (i.e., the end most proximal to the hub 22) and ending at element ends 106 (i.e., the end most distal from the hub 104). There may be spaces between element roots 22 in which an outer edge 23 of hub 104 is exposed. Alternatively, adjacent elements 100 may adjoin one another at roots 22. However, while FIGS. IB illustrate bristles 14 extending from hub 104 such that bristles 14 and hub 104 are coplanar, it is expressly contemplated that bristles 14 may extend from hub 104 at any suitable angle. For example, bristles 14 may extend perpendicularly from hub 104, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, bristles 14 may extend from hub 104 at any angle between 0 and 90°.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1A, in one example surface conditioning article configuration, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 extend from outer edge 23 of hub 22, beginning at element roots 104 and ending at element ends 106 remote from hub 22. In one preferred embodiment, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 extend radially from the outer edge 23 of the hub 22 and are coplanar with the hub 22. For ease of molding (described more fully below), it may be preferable to have a single row of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 arranged around the outer edge 23. Alternatively, a double row of bristles may be formed. Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may extend from outer edge 23 of hub 22 in a plane parallel to the plane of hub 22, whether hub 22 is planar or conical or some other shape. Alternatively, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may extend from outer edge 23 of hub 22 at any oblique angle relative to the applicable plane of the hub.

[0022] Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may have any cross-sectional area A, including but not limited to, circular, star, half-moon, quarter moon, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, diamond, or other polygonal shape. In one embodiment, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 comprise a constant cross section along their length. In other embodiments, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 will have a non-constant or variable cross section along their length.

[0023] Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area A of the element decreases in the direction away from element root 104 towards element end 106. Tapered primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can have any cross section as described above. Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may be subjected to bending stresses as article 10 is rotated against a workpiece. These bending stresses may be highest at the element root 104 of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 (at outer edge 23). Therefore, in some embodiments a tapered element is more able to resist bending stresses than an element of constant cross-sectional area A. Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can have a taper along the entire length, or elements 100 can have a tapered portion adjacent the element root 104 and a constant cross-sectional area A for the remainder of the element. The taper can comprise any suitable angle. Furthermore, article 10 can include a fillet radius at the transition between element root 104 of element 100 and outer edge 23 of hub 22.

[0024] Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 comprise an aspect ratio defined as the length of element 100 measured from outer element root 104 to element end 106, divided by the width of the element. In the case of a tapered element, the width is defined as the average width along the length for purposes of determining the aspect ratio. In the case of non-circular cross section, the width is taken as the longest width in a given plane, such as the comer-to-comer diagonal of a square cross section. The aspect ratio of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 is preferably at least 2, more preferably from about 5 to 100, and still more preferably from about 50 to 75. The size of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can be selected for the particular application of article 10 and brush. The length of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 is preferably from about 0.2 to 50 cm, more preferably from about 1 to 25 cm, and still more preferably from about 5 to 15 cm. The width of the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 is preferably from about 0.25 to 10 mm more preferably from about 0.5 to 5.0 mm, still more preferably about 0.75 to 3.0 mm, and most preferably from about 1.0 to 2.0 mm. The width of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can be the same as or different from the thickness of hub 22. In one preferred embodiment, all of the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 have the same dimensions. Alternatively, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 on a brush comprising a plurality of articles 10 may have different dimensions such as different lengths, widths or cross-sectional areas. For example, an article 10 may have two groups of short primary elongate abrasive elements and two groups of long primary elongate abrasive elements, similar to what is shown in FIG. 9 of US Pat. No. 5,903,951 to lonta et al. Moreover, it is possible to arrange ring sector segments, each having elements of different length. With respect to the brush abrasive assembly, it is possible to employ adjacent articles 10 having different elements. Similarly, in some embodiments, the two different bristle groups vary in hardness (e.g. resin durometer). For example, a “soft” set of bristles may be arranged to alternate with a “hard” set of bristles. Alternating soft and hard bristles may provide for fast fmishing / cleaning but nice surface finish.

[0025] The density and arrangement of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can be chosen for the particular application of article 10 and brush. Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may are arranged uniformly around the outer edge 23 of hub 22. Alternatively, primary elongate abrasive elements 100 can be arranged in groups with spaces between the groups, and can be oriented in the plane of hub 22 other than radially outward, that is, at a non-zero angle relative to the radius of hub 22. Accordingly, article 10 may have a portion of outer edge 23 which does not include any primary elongate abrasive elements 100. The elements may be present over only a portion of outer edge 23 of hub 22, or substantially the entire outer edge 23. Primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may or may not abut adjacent elements as desired.

[0026] However, it is expressly contemplated that other bristle shapes are possible, including a zigzag shape, lightning-bolt, spiral shaped, or curved in a direction extending away from the hub. Other suitable bristle shapes are expressly contemplated herein. The material, length, and configuration of the elements are preferably chosen such that primary elongate abrasive elements 100 are sufficiently flexible to aid in refining uneven or irregular workpieces. The primary elongate abrasive elements 100 are preferably capable of bending at least 25°, more preferably at least 45°, still more preferably at least 90°, and most preferably about 180°, without damage or substantial permanent deformation to the elements.

[0027] In addition to the potential reinforcement that first material 400 may provide, it is possible to reinforce the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 with any suitable structure. For example, it is possible to place a reinforcing fiber or wire in the element mold cavities, and inject material 400 around the reinforcing wire. This will result in an element 100 having a reinforcing wire or fiber embedded within it.

[0028] In one embodiment, the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 are swept back at an angle relative to a radius of the hub in a direction opposite to that of the direction of rotation of the article in operation. Such an arrangement may help to minimize breakage of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 near their root where the bristles join the outer edge 23 of the hub 22. When the article is rotated and the ends of the bristles contact a workpiece, this tends to bend the bristles in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. If this bending force is excessive, an element 100 may break at its root. When an article as described in this embodiment is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the hub 22 and passing through the center of attaching means, the back-swept primary elongate abrasive elements 100 will be subject to centrifugal force. This force will cause the element 100 to bend in a direction towards a radial line. This bending caused by centrifugal force acts opposite to the bending caused by the bristle contacting a workpiece. Therefore, the bristle can withstand a greater amount of bending caused by the workpiece than could a bristle that is initially oriented along the radius. The angle at which elements are swept back is preferably up to 45°, more preferably between about 5° and 35°, still more preferably between about 10° and 30°, and most preferably approximately 22.5°, although other angles may be used as desired. In one embodiment, the hub 22 of the article 10 has an outer diameter at outer edge 23 of approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) and a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm (0.1 inches), with 30 primary elongate abrasive elements 100 extending outwardly from outer edge 23 in the plane ofthe hub 22. Each element 100 is approximately 2.25 cm (0.88 inches) long and tapers from approximately 3.0 mm (0. 12 inches) thick at the root to approximately 2.0 mm (0.08 inches) thick at the end, with a generally square cross-section. The just-described dimensions of article 10 and number of primary elongate abrasive elements 100 are merely exemplary of one preferred embodiment, the present invention is not thereby limited.

[0029] In some embodiments, the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 are at an angle relative to the plane of the hub 22, as shown and described in FIGS. 21-22 of US Pat. No. 5,903,951 to lonta et al.. which, along with the accompanying description, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0030] Article 10 may be integrally molded such that primary elongate elements 100 and hub 104 are continuous with one another. The connection point between bristles 14 and hub 104, e.g. element root 22, is subject to breakage, resulting in premature wear and reduced service life of surface conditioning article 10.

[0031] In one embodiment, article 10 is an abrasive article which comprises a composition of abrasive particles. Abrasive particles may be integrated into bristles 14, coated onto bristles 14, or otherwise embedded into a surface of bristles 14 such that they are available to abrade a surface when abrasive article 10 contacts a surface.

[0032] Incorporating abrasive particles into, or onto, bristles 14 presents manufacturing challenges as abrasive particles will increase a wear rate of manufacturing components during the manufacturing process of abrasive article 16. For example, abrasive particles may cause wear to any container that holds or transports a molten abrasive particle-resin mixture; or a component extrudes or coats the abrasive particle-resin mixture onto a substrate or into a mold. It is desired to reduce the amount of abrasive -containing material needed to form article 10 to reduce manufacturing wear and tear.

[0033] Abrasive articles according to the present disclosure may optionally have elongate abrasive elements that contain combinations of formed abrasive particles along with other abrasive or nonabrasive particles, for example, crushed abrasive particles, filler particles, grinding aids, etc.

[0034] A plurality of articles 10 can be assembled onto main shaft to form an abrasive assembly, akin to what is shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3a and 3b of US Pat. No. 5,903,951 to lonta et al. Any number of articles 10 may be assembled together to provide an abrasive assembly of any desired width. Preferably, the articles 10 are adjacent one another such that there is essentially no space between the articles. Alternatively, the articles 10 may be assembled onto to a shaft so as to have space between adjacent articles. For example, there may be 5 to 10,000 articles 10 assembled together to form abrasive assembly, although more or less may be used as desired. A means for providing segment- to-segment engagement may be included to reduce or eliminate rotation of adjacent articles relative to one another. Such engagement means can include, for example, an inter-engaging saw tooth pattern or hole and dimple pattern on the surfaces of hub 104.

[0035] The materials, manufacturing process and article configuration will depend upon the desired refining application. As used herein, the term "refine" includes at least one of the following: remove a portion of a workpiece surface; impart a surface finish to a workpiece; descale a surface; deburr a surface; clean a workpiece surface, including removing paint or other coatings, gasket material, corrosion, oil residue, or other foreign material or debris; or some combination of the foregoing. In some applications, it may be preferred to provide aggressive abrasive characteristics, in which case the article may comprise abrasive particles, larger size abrasive particles, harder abrasive particles, sharper abrasive particles, more easily fractured abrasive particles, particles shaped for a particular operation, a higher abrasive particle to binder ratio, or some combination of the above. In other applications, it may be preferred to provide a polish type finish to the surface being refined, or to clean a surface without removing surface material itself, in which case the article may employ smaller abrasive particles, softer abrasive particles, lower abrasive particle to binder ratio, or some combination of the above. It is possible to employ formed abrasive particles 200 of varied composition and hardness to obtain the desired abrading characteristics, as well as blends of conventional and formed abrasive particles.

[0036] However, it may be possible to achieve desired surface conditioning using an abrasive-free surface conditioning article. For example, a stiffer resin may be sufficient to form bristles able to remove features from, or to clean, a surface. For example, gaskets may be removed from a metal surface using a stiff resin.

[0037] In some embodiments herein, abrasive article 10 has a hub 104 from which a number of bristles 14 extend. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, hub 104 is a continuous circumferential portion which is generally planar. However, it may also be possible to have a contoured or curved hub. For example, hub 104 may be convex, concave, or conical in shape. Hub 104 may be, for example, conical, with the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 extending parallel to the conical surface defined by the hub.

[0038] Article 10 may optionally have an attachment mechanism as part of hub 104, such as a channel, keyway, or a root to mechanically join several articles together on a drive mechanism (e.g., a shaft) to provide an abrasive assembly. A hub 104 may include one or more mounting holes, through which a locking rod and / or shaft may be inserted. Shaft and / or locking rod(s) may then be attached to a suitable rotary drive mechanism.

[0039] Hub 104 can preferably have a thickness of from about 0.5 to 25 mm, more preferably from about 1.0 to 10 mm, still more preferably from about 1 .5 to 6 mm, and most preferably from about 1.5 to 3 mm. Hub 104 may be circular as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B. The diameter of the outer edge 23 of hub 104 is preferably from about 2.5 to 61.0 cm (1.0 to 24.0 in), although smaller and larger hubs are also within the scope of the invention. In one preferred embodiment, the hub 104 is of a suitable material and thickness to provide a flexible hub 104, which helps maintain more bristles in contact with an uneven or irregular workpiece. The hub 104 preferably is capable of flexing at least 10°, more preferably at least 20°, and still more preferably at least 45° without damage or substantial permanent deformation to the hub. Hub shapes other than circular are also within the scope of the invention, including, but not limited to, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, diamond, and other polygonal shapes, as are relatively rigid or inflexible hubs.

[0040] Hub 104 may alternately be a ring sector bounded on each side by radial edges as described in US Pat. No. 5,903,951 to lonta et al. Preferably, the ring sector is of an angular width that allows for an integer number of ring sectors to be assembled into a circumferential article. For example, four 90° ring sectors are readily arranged to make a 360° circumferential article.

[0041] In some embodiments, hub 104 is molded integrally with the primary elongate abrasive elements 100 to provide a unitary article. Thus, no adhesive or mechanical attachment is required to adhere primary elongate abrasive elements 100 to hub 22. In such embodiments, hub 104 and primary elongate abrasive elements 100 may be molded simultaneously.

[0042] Surface conditioning articles in accordance with embodiments herein may be formed in a two- step process, first forming hub 104 and then forming abrasive particle containing bristles 14. However, it is expressly contemplated that the bristles could be molded first, and then the hub molded second. In some embodiments, the hub 22 and bristles 14 are formed using a co-inj ection process, such that while a first material is still in a flowable state, the second material is injected into the mold. For example, a hub material may be injected after a bristle material, pushing the bristle material into the void spaces of the mold.

[0043] Surface conditioning articles, in accordance with embodiments herein, may be formed from a moldable polymer material. The moldable polymer material may be an organic binder material that is capable of being molded, i.e., it is capable of deforming under heat to form a desired shape. The moldable polymer may be a thermoplastic polymer, a thermosetting polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, or combinations thereof. In the case of a thermoplastic polymer, the organic binder is heated above its melting point which causes the polymer to flow. This results in the thermoplastic polymer flowing into cavities of a mold to form the article 10. The article is then cooled to solidify the thermoplastic binder. In the case of reactive injection molding, a thermosetting polymer, during molding the organic binder is in a thermoplastic state, i.e., after it is heated above its melting point it will flow into the cavities of the mold to form the article. The organic binder then crosslinks at ambient or elevated temperatures.

[0044] Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyester, polyethylene, polysulfone, polystyrene, polybutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, polypropylene, acetal polymers, polyurethanes, polyamides, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a block co-polymer formed from one or more suitable thermoplastic polymers is used for the moldable polymer. In general, preferred thermoplastic polymers of the invention are those having a high melting temperature and good heat resistance properties. For many applications, surface conditioning articles are also formed with a lubricant material to prevent smearing during abrading. The lubricant can be provided using a dispersed phase within the moldable polymer material. Additionally, the lubricant may also assist during injection molding. One lubricant that has been frequently used is a high molecular weight silicone. However, the use of silicone in the abrading process can be problematic, interfering with subsequent adhesive bonding or a fluorescent penetration process.

[0045] For many use cases, an extra cleaning step is required to remove silicone from the surface of the workpiece. For some use cases, surface conditioning articles containing silicone cannot be used.

[0046] An alternative, less pervasive lubricant is needed.

[0047] U.S. PAP 2009 / 0191798 to Koh describes a different lubricant that may be used, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Koh defines ultra-high molecular weight as at least 1 million, and preferably 2 million in molecular weight. UHMWPE provides similar mold release functionality with a reduced amount of smearing on workpieces. Additionally, surface conditioning articles including UHMWPE can be used in a greater range of applications without the need for a separate cleaning step. However, while UHMWPE is described herein as one example polymer suitable as a lubricant, it is expressly contemplated that other polymers may be suitable.

[0048] Some example polymers that may be suitable as a lubricating component include: poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene (PE), polyolefins - including polypropylene, polybutylene, etc., polyacrylonitriles (PAN), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), polyethyl acrylate, any derivative of the above including copolymers and blends of two or more of the above and / or their derivatives.

[0049] Generally, it is expected that a higher molecular weight lubricant provides improved abrasion resistance, as a higher molecular weight generally results in more entanglement between polymer strands, providing resistance to abrasive and mechanical deformation.

[0050] However, it has been surprisingly found that improved abrasive performance can be achieved using lower molecular weight polyethylene. Counterintuitively, improved cut rates were found when using polyethylene with molecular weights less than 1 million.

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a graph of normalized abrasive cut rate against different molecular weights of polyethylene. FIG. 2 illustrates results obtained using compositions and processes described in greater detail in the Examples. It is illustrated that, for molecular weights above two million, a normalized cut rate remains consistent. The cut rate improves, however, as the molecular weight is reduced. In accordance with embodiments herein, a moldable composition for forming a surface conditioning article includes a high molecular weight polyethylene component. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 950,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 900,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 850,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 800,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 750,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 700,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 650,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 600,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 550,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 500,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 450,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polyethylene component has an average molecular weight less than 400,000 g / mol.

[0052] In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 1% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 2% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 3% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 4% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 5% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 6% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 7% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 8% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 9% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 10% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 12% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is at least about 15% by weight of the moldable composition. In accordance with embodiments herein, the high molecular weight lubricant component is less than about 20% by weight of the moldable composition.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of forming a surface conditioning article in accordance with embodiments herein. Method 300 may be used to make any of the abrasive articles 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0054] At block 310, a moldable mixture is formed. The moldable mixture includes a moldable polymer 312, a high molecular weight lubricant component 314, and abrasive particles 316. While a single moldable polymer 312 is discussed herein, it is expressly contemplated that the moldable mixture may include more than one polymer and / or a copolymer. The copolymer may be a block copolymer, an alternating copolymer, a periodic copolymer, a statistical copolymer, a stereoblock copolymer or a gradient copolymer.

[0055] In some embodiments, moldable polymer 312 includes a thermoplastic polymer. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyester, polyethylene, polysulfone, polystyrene, polybutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, polypropylene, acetal polymers, polyurethanes, polyamides, and combinations thereof. In general, preferred thermoplastic polymers of the invention are those having a high melting temperature and good heat resistance properties. Thermoplastic polymers may be preferably employed for low-speed applications of article 10, in which stress during operation is relatively low. Examples of commercially available thermoplastic polymers suitable for use with the present invention include GRILON CR9 copolymer of NYLON 6,12 available from EMS-American Grilon, Inc., Sumter, S.C.

[0056] One particular thermoplastic polymer suitable is a polyamide resin material, which is characterized by having an amide group, i.e., — C(O)NH — . Various types of polyamide resin materials, i.e., NYLONS can be used, such as NYLON 6 / 6 or NYLON 6. NYLON 6 / 6 is a condensation product of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. NYLON 6 / 6 has a melting point of about 264° C. and a tensile strength of about 770 kg / cm2. NYLON 6 is a polymer of a-caprolactam. NYLON 6 has a melting point of about 220° C. and a tensile strength of about 700 kg / cm2. Examples of commercially available NYLON resins useable according to the present invention include “VYDYNE™” from Ascend Performance Materials, Houston, Tex. “ZYTEL™” and “MINION™” both from Du Pont, Wilmington, Del. “TROGANMID™” from Evonik, Allentown, Pa., and “ULTRAMID™” from BASF Corp., Parsippany, N.J.

[0057] In some instances, such as high speed, high stress applications, it is preferred that the moldable polymer is a thermoplastic elastomer or includes a thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastic elastomers (or “TPEs”) are defined and reviewed in Thermoplastic Elastomers, A Comprehensive Review, edited by N. R. Legge, G. Holden and H. E. Schroeder, Hanser Publishers, New York, 1987 (referred to herein as “Legge et al.”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein). Thermoplastic elastomers (as used herein) are generally the reaction product of a low equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer and a high equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer, wherein the low equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer has a functionality of at most about 2 and equivalent weight of at most about 300 and is capable on polymerization of forming a hard segment (and, in conjunction with other hard segments, crystalline hard regions or domains) and the high equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer has a functionality of at least about 2 and an equivalent weight of at least about 350 and is capable on polymerization of producing soft, flexible chains connecting the hard regions or domains. “Thermoplastic elastomers” differ from “thermoplastics” and “elastomers” (a generic term for substances emulating natural rubber in that they stretch under tension, have a high tensile strength, retract rapidly, and substantially recover their original dimensions) in that thermoplastic elastomers, upon heating above the melting temperature of the hard regions, form a homogeneous melt which can be processed by thermoplastic techniques (unlike elastomers), such as injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and the like. Subsequent cooling leads again to segregation of hard and soft regions resulting in a material having elastomeric properties, however, which does not occur with thermoplastics. Thermoplastic elastomers combine the processability (when molten) of thermoplastic materials with the functional performance and properties of conventional thermosetting rubbers (when in their non-molten state), and which are described in the art as ionomeric, segmented, or segmented ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers. The segmented versions have “hard segments” which associate to form crystalline hard domains connected together by “soft”, long, flexible polymeric chains. The hard domain has a melting or disassociation temperature above the melting temperature of the soft polymeric chains.

[0058] Commercially available thermoplastic elastomers include segmented polyester thermoplastic elastomers, segmented polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, segmented polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, blends of thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polymers, and ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers.

[0059] “Segmented thermoplastic elastomer”, as used herein, refers to the sub-class of thermoplastic elastomers which are based on polymers which are the reaction product of a high equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer and a low equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer. Segmented thermoplastic elastomers are preferably the condensation reaction product of a high equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer having an average functionality of at least 2 and an equivalent weight of at least about 350, and a low equivalent weight polyfimctional monomer having an average functionality of at least about 2 and an equivalent weight of less than about 300. The high equivalent weight polyfunctional monomer is capable on polymerization of forming a soft segment, and the low equivalent weight polyfiinctional monomer is capable on polymerization of forming a hard segment. Segmented thermoplastic elastomers useful in the present invention include polyester TPEs, polyurethane TPEs, and polyamide TPEs, and silicone elastomer / polyimide block copolymeric TPEs, with the low and high equivalent weight polyfiinctional monomers selected appropriately to produce the respective TPE.

[0060] The segmented TPEs preferably include “chain extenders”, low molecular weight (typically having an equivalent weight less than 300) compounds having from about 2 to 8 active hydrogen functionality, and which are known in the TPE art. Particularly preferred examples include ethylene diamine and 1,4-butanediol.

[0061] “Ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers” refers to a sub-class of thermoplastic elastomers based on ionic polymers (ionomers). Ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers are composed of two or more flexible polymeric chains bound together at a plurality of positions by ionic associations or clusters. The ionomers are typically prepared by copolymerization of a functionalized monomer with an olefinic unsaturated monomer, or direct functionalization of a preformed polymer. Carboxyl-fimctionalized ionomers are obtained by direct copolymerization of acrylic or methacrylic acid with ethylene, styrene and similar comonomers by free-radical copolymerization. The resulting copolymer is generally available as the free acid, which can be neutralized to the degree desired with metal hydroxides, metal acetates, and similar salts. A review of ionomer history and patents concerning same is provided in Legge et al., pp. 231-243.

[0062] “Thermoplastic polymer”, or “TP” as used herein, has a more limiting definition than the general definition, which is “a material which softens and flows upon application of pressure and heat.” It will of course be realized that TPEs meet the general definition of TP, since TPEs will also flow upon application of pressure and heat. It is thus necessary to be more specific in the definition of “thermoplastic” for the purposes of this invention. “Thermoplastic” as used herein, means a material which flows upon application of pressure and heat, but which does not possess the elastic properties of an elastomer when below its melting temperature.

[0063] Blends of TPE and TP materials may also be used in accordance with embodiments herein, allowing even greater flexibility in tailoring mechanical properties of the abrasive filaments of the invention.

[0064] Commercially available and preferred segmented polyesters include those known under the trade designations “HYTREL 4056”, “HYTREL 5526”, “HYTREL 5556”, “HYTREL 6356”, “HYTREL 7246”, and “HYTREL 8238” available from E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc., Wilmington, Del., with the most preferred including HYTREL 5526, HYTREL 5556, and HYTREL 6356. A similar family of thermoplastic polyesters is available under the tradename “RITEFLEX™” (Hoechst Celanese Corporation). Still further useful polyester TPEs are those known under the trade designations “ECDEL™” from Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., Kingsport, Tenn. “ARNITEL™” from DSM Engineered Plastics; and “BEXLOY™” from Du Pont. Further useful polyester TPEs include those available as “LUBRICOMP™” from SABIC, Exton, Pa., and is commercially available incorporating lubricant, glass fiber reinforcement, and carbon fiber reinforcement.

[0065] Commercially available segmented polyamides include those known under the trade designations “PEBAX™” and “RILSAN™” both available from Arkema, King of Prussia, Pa.

[0066] Commercially available segmented polyurethanes include those known under the trade designation “ESTANE™”, available from Lubrizol, Brecksville, Ohio. Other segmented polyurethanes include those known under the trade designations “PELLETHANE™”, and “ISOPLAST™” from The Dow Coming Company, Midland, Mich.; and those known under the trade designation “ELASTOLLAN™” from BASF Corporation.

[0067] Thermoplastic elastomers are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,595 (Pihl et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] The moldable mixture also includes a high molecular weight lubricant component 314. In embodiments, the high molecular weight lubricant component includes polyethylene. However, while polyethylene is described herein and illustrated as one example polymer that may serve as the high molecular weight lubricant component, it is expressly contemplated that other polymers may be suitable. Some examples of polymers that may be suitable include poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene (PE), polyolefins - including polypropylene, polybutylene, etc., polyacrylonitriles (PAN), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), polyethyl acrylate, any derivative of the above including copolymers and blends of two or more of the above and / or their derivatives.

[0069] The high molecular weight polymer, in some embodiments, has an average molecular weight higher than 200,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 950,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 900,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 850,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 800,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 750,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 700,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 650,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 600,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 550,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 500,000 g / mol. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer component has an average molecular weight less than 450,000 g / mol.

[0070] The high molecular weight polymer may be at least 1% of the moldable mixture by weight, in accordance with embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer is at least 3% of the moldable mixture by weight. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer is at least 5% of the moldable mixture by weight. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer is less than 20% of the moldable mixture by weight. In some embodiments, the high molecular weight polymer is present in smaller concentrations, such as at least about 0.1% of the moldable mixture by weight.

[0071] A high molecular weight polymer may be incorporated as a powder of average particle size less than 300 micrometers, sometimes less than 100 micrometers, and sometimes even less than 50 micrometers. In one embodiment, the high molecular weight polymer is incorporated as a powder of particle size of 25 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

[0072] The moldable mixture may also include other components in accordance with other embodiments herein.

[0073] Surface conditioning articles, in some embodiments herein, have at least some abrasive particles 316 as part of the moldable mixture such that the abrasive particles are part of the elongate components. However, it is expressly contemplated that, in other embodiments, abrasive particles are incorporated into a surface conditioning article after the moldable mixture is formed. Abrasive particles 316 may include one or more of crushed abrasive particles, formed abrasive particles, platey particles, rod-shaped particles, shaped abrasive particles, or another suitable abrasive particle.

[0074] At block 320, the moldable mixture is formed into a portion of a surface conditioning article.

[0075] In the case of a thermoplastic polymer, the mixture is heated 324 above its melting point which causes the polymer to flow. This results in the thermoplastic polymer flowing into the cavities of a mold to form the article 10. The article is then cooled to solidify the thermoplastic binder. In the case of a thermosetting polymer, during molding the organic binder is in a thermoplastic state, i.e., after it is heated above its melting point it will flow into the cavities of the mold to form the article. The organic binder then crosslinks at ambient or elevated temperatures. A metal form may be used as a mold, in some embodiments. The mixture may be injection molded, extruded or otherwise fed into a mold. A shear force 326 may be applied, in some embodiments, by an extruder. The material may then be allowed to cool such that it can be removed from the metal form. Other steps 328 may also be included, such as additional processing, heating or curing steps.

[0076] Other steps 328 may also be taken. For example, the abrasive particles may undergo an alignment or orientation step. For example, electrostatic or magnetic alignment processed may be used, as described in Published PCT Applications: WO 2018 / 080703, WO 2018 / 080755, WO 2018 / 136268, WO2019 / 207415, WO2019 / 207416, WO2019 / 207417, WO2019 / 079331, WO2019 / 074768 and W02020 / 261112.

[0077] Alignment or orientation may also be accomplished by depositing elongate material as a slurry of liquid (e.g., molten or uncured) material and abrasive particles may be extruded from a die in such a manner that the flow of the liquid binder through the die along a flow axis is adapted to orient the abrasive particles along the direction of liquid flow. Thereafter, the elongate material may be cooled and / or cured to form an elongate abrasive element with abrasive particles that are orientationally aligned along an element axis.

[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates a single molding step. However, it is expressly contemplated that a surface conditioning article, in accordance with embodiments herein, may be formed in multiple molding steps, from one or more moldable mixtures. For example, an inner layer or a hub may be formed of a first material, while the elongate elements and / or an outer layer may be formed of a second material.

[0079] For example, a hub and / or an inner layer of elongate particles may be formed of a moldable mixture free of abrasive particles, in some embodiments. A hub and / or inner layer may be formed of a stiffer material, in some embodiments. These, and other configurations, are described in greater detail in PCT Application with serial number PCT / IB2023 / 056789, filed on June 29, 2023.

[0080] In some embodiments, the moldable mixture is provided as a slurry of liquid (e.g., molten or uncured) binder with abrasive particles, which may be injected into an elongate mold cavity in such a manner that the flow of the liquid binder through the elongate cavity along a flow axis is adapted to orient the abrasive particles along the direction of liquid flow. Thereafter, the material may be cooled and / or cured to form an elongate abrasive element comprising formed abrasive particles that are orientationally aligned along an element axis.

[0081] The slurry of liquid (e.g., molten or uncured) binder and abrasive particles may be deposited into a mold cavity, wherein the formed abrasive particles are themselves magnetizable and / or comprise a magnetizable surface coating. The slurry thus deposited can be subjected to a magnetic field adapted to orientationally align the formed abrasive particles. The abrasive particles may by this method be orientationally aligned along the elongate dimension of the mold cavity (or optionally along another dimension as dictated by interaction with the magnetic field). Thereafter, the binder may be cooled and / or cured to form an elongate abrasive element comprising formed abrasive particles that are orientationally aligned along an element axis.

[0082] The moldable mixture material with formed abrasive particles may be deposited into an elongate mold cavity in any suitable manner. The formed abrasive particles, in some embodiments, are themselves magnetizable and / or comprise a magnetizable surface coating. The slurry thus extruded (or while still present in the mold) can be subjected to a magnetic field adapted to orientationally align the formed abrasive particles. The formed abrasive particles may by this method be orientationally aligned along the elongate dimension of the resulting elongate abrasive element (or optionally along another dimension as dictated by interaction with the magnetic field). Thereafter, the binder may be cooled and / or cured to form an elongate abrasive element comprising abrasive particles that are orientationally aligned along an element axis. For example, U.S. PAP 2022 / 0016745 to Holmes, in FIGS. 13-17, which are incorporated herein by reference herein, illustrate an example molding and orienting process.

[0083] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate steps in the formation process of a surface conditioning article in accordance with embodiments herein.

[0084] FIG. 4A illustrates a first step 400 of abrasive article formation process. A mixture 410 is provided, through a gate 420 to a mold 410. Material 410 is illustrated as containing abrasive particles 412. However, it is expressly contemplated that, in some embodiments, material 400 is free of abrasive particles. Material 410 may be a single polymer or other resin, or may be a mixture of polymer or resin materials. Material 400 may be a curable mixture, a molten mixture, or another suitable compound that can be poured, extruded, injected or otherwise fed through gate 420 into mold 410. In some embodiments, material 400 includes a high molecular weight polymer component.

[0085] FIG. 4B illustrates a molded component 440 that may be formed as material 410 cools within mold 430. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the molded component may include a hub portion 460 and abrasive element portions 470 extending outward from hub 460. Molded component may have abrasive particles 412 oriented along direction of flow 462, or oriented in another direction.

[0086] Component 450, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, is a unitary structure, with a consistent composition across the structure. It is expressly contemplated that, in some embodiments, molded component is formed in a first molding step and that a second material may be used to coat some or all of component 450.

[0087] In some embodiments, a first resin (e.g. abrasive-free, hub-forming material) is more flexible, with a higher flex fatigue resistance than a second resin. In some embodiments, a second resin (e.g. abrasive containing, bristle=forming material) is - abrasion resistant, toughened, low wear, has a higher stiffness and is more heat resistant than the first resin.

[0088] The first and second resin, however, may both be made using all the same type of resin or, in some embodiments, the same base material with different performance enhancers added, for example lubricant, grinding aid, polishing agent and / or reinforcing materials. In other embodiments, the first and second materials are selected fortheir advantageous properties.

[0089] An outer sheath containing the mineral is, in some embodiments, a harder, wear resistant resin while the inside core of the bristle may or may not contain mineral and is a softer material with good flex fatigue properties to keep the bristle from breaking prematurely.

[0090] While FIG. 4B illustrates a component 450 with fully formed elongate portions 470, it is also expressly contemplated that only a hub, or a hub and elongate connection points, or a hub and partial elongate portions may be formed.

[0091] Surface conditioning articles and assemblies according to the present disclosure may take the form of bristle brushes (rotary or otherwise) or discs, or components of brushes or discs, as described herein.

[0092] As used herein, the term abrasive particle may include any suitable abrasive particle, including crushed abrasive particles, rod-shaped abrasive particles, formed abrasive particles, partially shaped abrasive particles, precisely shaped abrasive particles, abrasive particle shards, or other suitable abrasive elements.

[0093] As used herein, the term “formed abrasive particle” means an abrasive particle that has been deliberately formed such that at least a portion of the abrasive particle has a predetermined shape. Often the shape is replicated from a mold cavity or other tooling used to form the precursor formed abrasive particle. The formed abrasive particle will generally have a predetermined geometric shape that substantially replicates the mold cavity or other form of tooling that was used to form the formed abrasive particle. The cavity or tooling could reside on the surface of an embossing roll or be contained within a flexible belt or production tooling. Alternatively, the formed abrasive particles can be extruded and cut to length or precisely cut from a sheet of dried sol-gel (or other precursor or cured material if not ceramic -based) by a laser beam into the desired geometric shape. Alternatively, the formed abrasive particle may be injection molded or 3D-printed.

[0094] A formed abrasive particle has a maximum dimension “M,” a thickness “T” measured normally to the maximum dimension M, a particle axis defined along the maximum dimension M, and a particle plane containing the particle axis and defined normally to the thickness T. As discussed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0016745, published January 20, 2022, in some embodiments the abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned along the bristles, such that a particle plane of a first abrasive particle is parallel to a particle plane of a second abrasive particle. In some embodiments, a greater amount of formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned along the element axis than would occur randomly. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 66% of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned along the element axis.

[0095] In addition, or in the alternative, to a quantity of formed abrasive particles being precisely orientationally aligned as described above, in some embodiments, formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0016745, published on January 20, 2022. By “generally orientationally aligned,” it is meant that the particle plane is oriented within 60° of parallel to the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 66% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 75% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis. In some embodiments, at least 96% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned along the element axis.

[0096] As can be understood from the above, a formed abrasive particle that is precisely orientationally aligned will also be generally orientationally aligned, while a formed abrasive particle that is generally orientationally aligned is not necessarily also precisely orientationally aligned. In one embodiment, at least a majority of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned, and at least 75% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned. In one embodiment, at least a majority of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned, and at least 90% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned. In one embodiment, at least a majority of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned, and at least 95% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned. In one embodiment, at least 66% of the formed abrasive particles are precisely orientationally aligned, and at least 95% of the formed abrasive particles are generally orientationally aligned.

[0097] In addition to, or in conjunction with, the embodiments described above where formed abrasive particles are generally and / or precisely orientationally aligned, in some embodiments the particle axis of at least 40% of the formed abrasive particles is within 5° of parallel to the element axis 101, and / or the particle axis of at least 60% of the formed abrasive particles is within 10° of parallel to the element axis.

[0098] It should be understood that the aforementioned combinations are merely exemplary, and that any combination of applicable ranges may be selected within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Orientation of formed abrasive particles within an elongate abrasive element may be accomplished by any means capable of resulting in the degree and frequency of orientation described herein. The following methods or orientation are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. For example as described in US Patent Application Publication 2022 / 0016745, published January 20, 2022.

[0100] The hub 22 may further comprise a reinforcing feature, such as a fiber reinforcing substrate. Reinforcing means can comprise, for example, fabric, non-woven sheeting, mat, mesh, scrim, and the like, or can comprise individual fibers compounded into the moldable polymer and dispersed throughout the article. The reinforcing means may optionally contain a treatment to modify its physical properties. The purpose of the reinforcing means is to increase the flexural strength and tensile strength of the article 10, and decreasing crack propagation. Examples of reinforcing fibers suitable for use in the present invention include glass fibers, metal fibers, carbon fibers, wire mesh, mineral fibers, fibers formed of heat resistant organic materials, thermoplastic or thermoset fibers, or fibers made from ceramic materials. Reinforcing fibers can also have an adhesion promoter or compatibilizing agent on the surface of the fiber. Other organic fibers include polyvinyl alcohol fibers, nylon fibers, polyester fibers and phenolic fibers. In some embodiments, the moldable polymer mixture may preferably contain a coupling agent, such as a silane coupling agent, a phosphate coupling agent, a zirconate coupling agent or a titanate adhesion promoter to improve the adhesion to the thermoplastic material.

[0101] In some embodiments, a stiffness varies along the length of an elongate element, with a higher stiffness at the hub-connecting end of the bristle. Such a construction may be useful for sensing an end of life in a robotic cell. As the bristles wear down in length, they become stiffer. A robotic abrading system can sense the change in stiffness via strain gauges or the like, and know it was time to change to a new product or when to make an adjustment for more optimal abrading such as increasing abrasive RPM, force, etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, a first and second resin type can be selected with different thermal shrinkage rates, which can induce a curved shape to bristles. Similarly, in some embodiments, bristles are formed with a curl, such that, as the abrasive article cools, a three-dimensional bristle is formed that has curvature in multiple planes.

[0103] In some embodiments, bristles are formed with one or more annular reinforcements. Annular reinforcement(s) may be placed along a length of the bristle, e.g. at a distance X from the tip. The annular support may be a spiral shape, for example. Various elasticity of annual support may provide a bristle with more or less amenable to flexing.

[0104] Using techniques herein, abrasive articles can be formed with a variety of bristle shapes and physical properties. For example, the abrasive article may have bristles including material to provide end-of-life indication using a variety of mechanisms: sound, vibration, color, electrical continuity, heat, etc., for example as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Applications with Serial Numbers 63 / 366802, 63 / 366803, and 63 / 366806, all filed on June 22, 2022.

[0105] In some embodiments, surface conditioning articles described herein include attributes that induce breakdown at a specific location along the bristles. This could include, for example, a notch in the molded bristle side wall, micro or macro textures in specific locations along the length of the bristle portion of the mold, as well as one or more slits or cuts.

[0106] Depending on a shape, location and size of the introduced feature, breakdown of the bristles can occur without full failure of the surface conditioning article. In embodiments where the bristles include abrasive particles, the breakdown could allow for new mineral to be exposed and profile of the molded part to be refreshed.

[0107] Additionally, while the induced feature could be molded into the bristles, it is expressly contemplated that secondary processing such as laser, surface treatment, die cutting or other processing can be done to a molded surface conditioning articles after the initial molding process.

[0108] In some embodiments, microreplication or specific mold texture may be included such that polymer flow & freezing off is improved, potentially eliminating / reducing knit lines or flow fronts.

[0109] Additionally, while many examples are described herein as formed using coinjection molding, it is also expressly contemplated that, in some embodiments, overmolding us used to obtain bristles with multiple resin layers. After a first resin is shot into a mold, for example, a second resin is shot over the first resin in specific regions or over the entire part.

[0110] In some embodiments, a highly reflective polymer is used in either the hub-forming material or the bristle-forming material. Such an abrasive article can be used in combination with a light source to better illuminate the workpiece while grinding. The highly reflective polymer may be included as an additive such that the hub-forming material or the bristle-forming material is a mixture. For example, metallic powder or particles could be added, such as titanium oxide. Glass powder may also add reflectivity. Some reflective thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are also reflective.

[0111] A single abrasive article 10 is described herein, and illustrated in FIG. 1, 7A and 9, for example. However, it is expressly contemplated that a brush is formed by stacking multiple abrasive articles 10.

[0112] Article 10 may include an attachment means as generally shown and described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,903,951. For example, several articles may be joined together to form an assembly as described therein, and / or one or more articles 10 may be attached to a support means such as a separate hub or shaft as described therein. Hub 22 may comprise an inner edge configured to engage with such a shaft, and / or may also (or alternatively) include mounting holes for accepting one or more locking rods. Hub 22 may include a channel or keyway configured to engage a suitably configured key in a shaft. As further described therein, hub 22 may be continuous, and not include an opening defined by an inner edge. An attachment means may be provided at the center of hub 22. This type of attachment means is suitable for use with 360° circular articles. Suitable attachment means are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,562,968; 3,667,170; and 3,270,467 the entire disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. One preferred attachment means is the integrally-molded threaded stud adapted for screw-type engagement with a rotary tool as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,968. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the attachment means is molded integrally with the hub 22 and is centered relative to the hub 22 for proper rotation of article 10. The attachment means may be made from the same material as the rest of the article 10 and may contain abrasive particles. Alternatively, the attachment means may be made from a separate injection of binder 220 with or without abrasive particles.

[0113] In other embodiments, however, a hook and loop type attachment is present on hub 22 to attach the article 10 to a back-up pad of a power rotary tool. Suitable hook-and loop fasteners include those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,870, "Mushroom-Type Hook Strip for a Mechanical Fastener," (Melbye et al.), incorporated herein by reference, or of the type commercially available as SCOTCHMATE™ from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. It is also possible to use a hermaphroditic fastener such as DUAE LOCK™ fastener, available from 3M Company, to secure the molded article to a back up pad. It is also possible to employ intermeshing structured surfaces such as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,259, "Intermeshing Articles" (Appeldom), incorporated herein by reference.

[0114] It is also within the scope of the present invention to use an attachment system where either the hub of the molded article or the back-up pad of the drive tool includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, while the other of the article or back-up pad comprises a surface to which the pressure sensitive adhesive may releasably attach with the desired attachment strength. Examples of suitable pressure sensitive adhesives include latex crepe, rosin, acrylic polymers and copolymers such as polybutylacrylate and polyacrylate ester, vinyl ethers such as polyvinyl n-butyl ether, alkyd adhesives, rubber adhesives such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, chlorinated rubber, and mixtures thereof. The adhesive is selected to provide the desired attachment characteristics. One preferred surface to which the abrasive may be releasably affixed is a vinyl sheet.

[0115] Alternatively, the hub of the molded article may contain one or more straight or threaded holes or openings so that the abrasive article may be mechanically secured (such as with a bolt and nut) to the back p pad. Such a hole may optionally be fitted with an insert of a different material from that of the central portion of the molded article.

[0116] In some embodiments, an interlocking attachment mechanism is present within each hub material. This allows for abrasive articles 10 to be stacked, such that layers of molded bristles together to create a brush. The interlocking mechanism allows the brush to rotated in unison. During acceleration and deceleration, significant forces can be introduced to the individual bristles. Creating an alternate coupling mechanism could allow the bristle plates to couple during rotation for working against a part and decouple during deceleration (changing localized forces).

[0117] Other configurations of abrasives brushes, bristle, and / or filaments are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,045,091 (Abrahamson et al.); 5,233,719 (Young et al.); 5,400,458 (Rambosek); 5,679,067 and 5,903,951 (lonta et al.); 5,427,595 (Pihl et al.); 5,460,883 (Barber et al.); 3,618,154 (Muhler et al.); and 3,233,272 (Pambello).

[0118] Abrasive particles generally include crushed abrasive grain, formed abrasive particles, and / or precisely formed abrasive particles. Examples of basic formed abrasive particles are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,201,916 (Berg et al.) and 5,366,523 (Rowenhorst et al.), where it is generally disclosed that such particles could be used in abrasive brushes. Examples of precisely formed abrasive particles include CUBITRON II™ (available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN). Examples of precisely formed abrasive particles are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,142,531 (Adefris et al.); 8,728;185 (Adefris), where it is generally disclosed that such particles could be used in abrasive brushes. Other useful formed abrasive particles are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 669,568 to Mevissen et al. (“Abrasive Articles Including Soft Shaped Abrasive Particles”), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] A surface conditioning article is presented that includes a base coupled to a plurality of elongate elements, the plurality of elongate elements include a molded material having a dispersed polymer phase. The dispersed polymer phase including a polymer having a high molecular weight polymer. The high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of greater than about 150,000 g / mol and less than about 950,000 g / mol.

[0120] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the base is coupled to the plurality of elongate elements.

[0121] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the base includes a second molded material different from the molded material.

[0122] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes a thermoplastic polymer. The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes a thermosetting polymer.

[0123] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0124] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol.

[0125] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 850,000 g / mol.

[0126] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 800,000 g / mol.

[0127] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 750,000 g / mol.

[0128] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 700,000 g / mol.

[0129] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 650,000 g / mol.

[0130] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 600,000 g / mol.

[0131] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 550,000 g / mol.

[0132] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

[0133] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol.

[0134] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 200,000 g / mol.

[0135] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 250,000 g / mol.

[0136] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene.

[0137] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes polybutylene.

[0138] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes polypropylene. The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes PMMA.

[0139] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes PHMA.

[0140] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene oxide.

[0141] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(ethyl acrylate).

[0142] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(butyl acrylate).

[0143] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes PVA.

[0144] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes a polyolefin.

[0145] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PAN.

[0146] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PS.

[0147] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PPO.

[0148] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PTHF or a PTMG.

[0149] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer includes at least 1% of the molded material, by weight.

[0150] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer includes at least 3% of the molded material, by weight.

[0151] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that wherein 0.5% to 20% of by weight of the molded material includes high molecular weight polymer.

[0152] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the plurality of elongated elements include abrasive particles.

[0153] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the abrasive particles include crushed particles.

[0154] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the abrasive particles include formed particles.

[0155] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the abrasive particles include shaped abrasive particles.

[0156] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the abrasive particles are oriented with respect to the elongated element.

[0157] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the abrasive particles are integrated into molded material. The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes a copolymer.

[0158] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes a block co-polymer.

[0159] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the molded material includes co-polyether-polyester.

[0160] The surface conditioning article may be implemented such that the base is integrally molded to the plurality of elongate elements.

[0161] A method of making a molded surface conditioning article is presented that includes providing a moldable composition including a dispersed polymer phase that includes a polymer having a high molecular weight. The high molecular weight polymer having an average molecular weight of less than 950,000 g / mol, and the high molecular weight polymer is between 1% and 20% of the moldable composition, by weight. The method also includes flowing the moldable composition into a mold and hardening the moldable composition into the molded surface condition, the molded surface condition includes a hub and a plurality of elongated bristles.

[0162] The method may be implemented such that and further including annealing at least some of the plurality of elongated bristles.

[0163] The method may be implemented such that wherein providing the moldable composition includes providing the high molecular weight polymer as a powder.

[0164] The method may be implemented such that the powder includes particles with a size between about 20 pm - 200 pm.

[0165] The method may be implemented such that wherein flowing includes heating the moldable composition to a molten state.

[0166] The method may be implemented such that wherein flowing includes providing the moldable composition as a slurry.

[0167] The method may be implemented such that wherein flowing includes extruding the moldable composition.

[0168] The method may be implemented such that the hub includes the moldable composition and the plurality of elongated bristles include the moldable composition.

[0169] The method may be implemented such that the hub includes a first material, the bristles include a second material, and the first and second materials are different.

[0170] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol. The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 850,000 g / mol.

[0171] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 800,000 g / mol.

[0172] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 750,000 g / mol.

[0173] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 700,000 g / mol.

[0174] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 650,000 g / mol.

[0175] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 600,000 g / mol.

[0176] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 550,000 g / mol.

[0177] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

[0178] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol.

[0179] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 200,000 g / mol.

[0180] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 250,000 g / mol.

[0181] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene.

[0182] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polybutylene.

[0183] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polypropylene.

[0184] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PMMA.

[0185] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PHMA.

[0186] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene oxide.

[0187] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(ethyl acrylate)

[0188] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(butyl acrylate).

[0189] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PVA.

[0190] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a polyolefin.

[0191] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PAN.

[0192] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PS. The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PPO.

[0193] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PTHF or a PTMG.

[0194] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer includes at least 1% of the molded material, by weight.

[0195] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer includes at least 3% of the molded material, by weight.

[0196] The method may be implemented such that wherein 1% to 20% of by weight of the molded material includes the high molecular weight polymer.

[0197] A method of brushing a surface includes the steps of providing an integrally molded brush including a base and bristles further including a moldable composition including a dispersed polymer phase including a high molecular weight polymer, providing a workpiece having a surface to be modified, driving the integrally molded brush while urging said integrally molded brush against said workpiece, whereby the surface is effectively modified.

[0198] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol.

[0199] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 850,000 g / mol.

[0200] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 800,000 g / mol.

[0201] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 750,000 g / mol.

[0202] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 700,000 g / mol.

[0203] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 650,000 g / mol.

[0204] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 600,000 g / mol.

[0205] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 550,000 g / mol.

[0206] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

[0207] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol. The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 200,000 g / mol.

[0208] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 250,000 g / mol.

[0209] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene.

[0210] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polybutylene.

[0211] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polypropylene.

[0212] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PMMA.

[0213] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PHMA.

[0214] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes polyethylene oxide.

[0215] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(ethyl acrylate)

[0216] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes poly(butyl acrylate).

[0217] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes PVA.

[0218] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a polyolefin.

[0219] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PAN.

[0220] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PS.

[0221] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PPO.

[0222] The method may be implemented such that the polymer includes a PTHF or a PTMG.

[0223] The method may be implemented such that the high molecular weight polymer is between 1% and 20% of the moldable composition, by weight.

[0224] The method may be implemented such that the moldable composition includes co-polyether- polyester.

[0225] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A surface conditioning article comprising: a base coupled to a plurality of elongate elements, wherein the plurality of elongate elements comprise a molded material having a dispersed polymer phase, the dispersed polymer phase comprising a polymer having a high molecular weight polymer; wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of greater than about 150,000 g / mol and less than about 950,000 g / mol.

2. The surface conditioning article of claim 1, wherein the base is coupled to the plurality of elongate elements.

3. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-2, wherein the base comprises a second molded material different from the molded material.

4. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-3, wherein the molded material comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

5. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-4, wherein the molded material comprises a thermosetting polymer.

6. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-5, wherein the molded material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

7. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-6, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol.

8. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-7, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

9. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-8, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol.

10. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the polymer comprises polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene, PMMA, PHMA, polyethylene oxide, poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), PVA, a polyolefin, a PAN, a PS, a PPO, a PTHG, or a PTMG.

11. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-10, wherein the high molecular weight polymer comprises at least 1% of the molded material, by weight.

12. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-11, wherein 0.5% to 20% of by weight of the molded material comprises high molecular weight polymer.

13. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-12, wherein the plurality of elongated elements comprises abrasive particles.

14. The surface conditioning article of claim 13, wherein the abrasive particles comprise shaped abrasive particles.

15. The surface conditioning article of claim 13, wherein the abrasive particles are oriented with respect to the elongated element.

16. The surface conditioning article of any of claims 1-15, wherein the molded material comprises a copolymer.

17. The surface conditioning article of claim 16, wherein the molded material comprises a block copolymer.

18. The surface conditioning article of claim 16, wherein the base is integrally molded to the plurality of elongate elements.

19. A method of making a molded surface conditioning article, the method comprising: providing a moldable composition comprising a dispersed polymer phase, comprising a polymer having a high molecular weight, the high molecular weight polymer having an average molecular weight of less than 950,000 g / mol, and wherein the high molecular weight polymer is between 1% and 20% of the moldable composition, by weight; flowing the moldable composition into a mold; and hardening the moldable composition into the molded surface condition, wherein the molded surface condition comprises a hub and a plurality of elongated bristles.

20. The method of claim 19, and further comprising annealing at least some of the plurality of elongated bristles.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein providing the moldable composition comprises providing the high molecular weight polymer as a powder.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the powder comprises particles with a size between about 20 pm- 200 pm.

23. The method of any of claims 19-22, wherein flowing comprises heating the moldable composition to a molten state.

24. The method of any of claims 19-23, wherein flowing comprises providing the moldable composition as a slurry.

25. The method of any of claims 19-24, wherein flowing comprises extruding the moldable composition.

26. The method of any of claims 19-25, wherein the hub comprises the moldable composition and the plurality of elongated bristles comprise the moldable composition.

27. The method of any of claims 19-26, wherein the hub comprises a first material, the bristles comprise a second material, and wherein the first and second materials are different.

28. The method of any of claims 19-27, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol.

29. The method of any of claims 19-28, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

30. The method of any of claims 19-29, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol.

31. The method of any of claims 19-30, wherein the polymer comprises polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene, PMMA, PHMA, polyethylene oxide, poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), PVA, a polyolefin, a PAN, a PS, a PPO, a PTHG, or a PTMG.

32. The method of any of claims 19-31, wherein the high molecular weight polymer comprises at least 1% of the molded material, by weight.

33. The method of any of claims 19-32, wherein 1% to 20% of by weight of the molded material comprises the high molecular weight polymer.

34. A method of brushing a surface comprising the steps of: providing an integrally molded brush comprising a base and bristles further comprising a moldable composition including a dispersed polymer phase comprising a high molecular weight polymer; providing a workpiece having a surface to be modified; driving the integrally molded brush while urging said integrally molded brush against said workpiece; whereby the surface is effectively modified.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 900,000 g / mol.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of less than about 500,000 g / mol.

37. The method of any of claims 34-36, wherein the high molecular weight polymer has an average molecular weight of more than about 150,000 g / mol.

38. The method of any of claims 34-37, wherein the polymer comprises polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene, PMMA, PHMA, polyethylene oxide, poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), PVA, a polyolefin, a PAN, a PS, a PPO, a PTHG, or a PTMG.

39. The method of any of claims 34-38, wherein the high molecular weight polymer is between 1% and 20% of the moldable composition, by weight.

40. The method of any of claims 34-39, wherein the moldable composition comprises co-polyether- polyester.

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