Bonded Abrasive Composition with Nanocrystalline Alumina Hardness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bonded abrasive articles, such as those with microcrystalline alumina, do not fully meet the industry's demand for improved hardness and grinding performance.

Innovation Solution

The use of nanocrystalline alumina abrasive particles in a bond material, combined with optional additives and a curing process, to form abrasive articles with enhanced properties like increased G-ratio and Vickers hardness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If microcrystalline alumina is used in bonded abrasive articles, then the articles can be used for cutting and grinding materials, but the hardness and grinding performance do not fully meet industry demands

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehardnessVSAvoidgrinding performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystalline structure parameter of alumina from microcrystalline to nanocrystalline, reducing the average crystallite size to 0.1 microns or less. This parameter change fundamentally alters the material properties, resulting in significantly improved Vickers hardness and grinding performance while maintaining the bonded abrasive article structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining nanocrystalline alumina particles with bond materials. The unique properties of nanocrystalline alumina (enhanced hardness, microfracturing characteristics) are integrated into the bonded abrasive matrix, producing a composite with superior overall performance compared to conventional microcrystalline alumina-based articles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If nanocrystalline alumina with average crystallite size of 0.1 microns or less is used, then Vickers hardness and microfracturing properties are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVickers hardnessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-synthesizing nanocrystalline alumina particles with controlled crystallite size (0.1 microns or less) before incorporating them into the bonded abrasive matrix. This advance preparation of the abrasive particles with desired nanocrystalline structure simplifies the overall manufacturing process, as the complex nanocrystalline material is produced separately and then integrated into the final product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4140649B1Abrasive articles and methods of forming same
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIVES INC
  • EP4140649B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4140649B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4140649B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

An abrasive article can include a body including a bond material and abrasive particles contained within the bond material. The abrasive particles can include nanocrystalline alumina. The bond material can include an organic material. In an embodiment, the nanocrystalline alumina may have an average crystallite size of not greater than 1.5 microns. In another embodiment, the bond material and the abrasive particles may be mixed and the mixture may cure to form the abrasive article of embodiments herein.