Composite Shaped Abrasive Particles With Layered Dopant Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

The industry demands improved abrasive materials and articles with enhanced performance, as existing technologies for producing shaped abrasive particles are limited in terms of geometry, composition, and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of composite shaped abrasive particles with a body comprising a first layer, a second layer overlying the first layer with a dopant, and a diffusion interface defining a step function difference in dopant concentration, formed through a process involving the extrusion of distinct mixtures with different compositions to create a coated abrasive article or bonded abrasive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional fusion, sintering, or chemical ceramic processes are used to produce abrasive particles, then abrasive particles can be formed with basic geometries, but the geometry control, composition versatility, and manufacturing efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive particle geometryVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The abrasive particle is divided into multiple layers with different compositions and properties. The particle body contains embedded crystalline abrasive particles distributed throughout the matrix, creating a segmented structure that combines the hardness of crystalline abrasives with the shape control of the matrix material. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute specific properties to the overall particle performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by embedding crystalline abrasive particles within a matrix material to form the abrasive particle body. This composite structure combines the advantages of both materials: the crystalline abrasives provide hardness and cutting ability, while the matrix material provides shape control and structural integrity. The composite nature enables simultaneous achievement of geometric precision and manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If complex multi-step processes are used to create layered abrasive particles, then composition control can be improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposition controlVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crystalline abrasive particles are prepared and distributed within the matrix material before the final particle formation process. This preliminary action ensures that the abrasive particles are already in position and properly distributed throughout the matrix, eliminating the need for complex post-processing steps to achieve the desired composition and structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated particle structure. The matrix material and crystalline abrasives are combined in one formation process to create a particle that simultaneously achieves shape control, composition control, and structural integrity. This merging eliminates the need for separate processing steps for each function, reducing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the creation of abrasive particles with improved performance and versatility, suitable for various applications including grinding and polishing, by leveraging the unique properties of the layered structure and dopant distribution, enhancing material removal operations.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusion interface disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the diffusion interface defines a step function difference in a concentration of the dopant in the second layer compared to a concentration of the dopant in the first layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3851248B1Composite shaped abrasive particles and method of forming same
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SAINT GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS INC
  • EP3851248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes forming a first mixture and a second mixture in a single forming process into an integral precursor shaped abrasive particle, wherein the first mixture has a different composition than a composition of the second mixture.