Sintered Abrasive Particles with Controlled Oxide Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive grains from natural bauxite exhibit variations in chemical composition, leading to non-homogeneous performance, while synthetic compositions result in larger microstructures that do not provide sufficient grinding performance.

Innovation Solution

Sintered abrasive particles with a specific chemical composition range (Fe2O3: 0.5-2.5%, TiO2: 0-2%, CaO: 0.5-2.5%, SiO2: 0.5-3%, Al2O3: 93-96.5%) and microstructure characteristics (average crystallite size <2 μm) are produced using a simple sintering process without additional heat treatment, achieving optimal strength and cutting power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If abrasive grains are made from natural bauxite, then chemical composition varies, but this leads to non-homogeneous performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical composition homogeneityVSAvoidperformance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the chemical composition parameters of the abrasive grains. It specifies exact weight percentage ranges for each oxide component (Fe2O3: 0.5-2.5%, TiO2: 0-2%, CaO: 0.5-2.5%, SiO2: 0.5-3%, Al2O3: 93-96.5%), transforming the natural variation into a controlled synthetic composition that ensures both homogeneity and consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple oxide components in specific proportions to create a synthetic abrasive grain composition. This composite approach (Fe2O3-TiO2-CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 system) allows optimization of both compositional homogeneity and performance reliability, overcoming the limitations of natural bauxite's variable composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If synthetic compositions are used to control chemical composition, then composition homogeneity is achieved, but microstructure becomes larger which reduces grinding performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical composition controlVSAvoidmicrostructure fineness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the sintering temperature parameter within a specific range (1300°C to 1700°C). This controlled temperature parameter enables the formation of a fine microstructure with average crystallite size less than 2 μm while maintaining the desired synthetic chemical composition, thus resolving the contradiction between composition control and microstructure fineness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a fine-grained microstructure throughout the abrasive grain. The controlled sintering process ensures uniform distribution and fine size (average crystallite size < 2 μm) of crystallites throughout the grain, providing consistent local properties that enhance grinding performance while maintaining overall compositional homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If additional heat treatment is applied to refine microstructure, then microstructure fineness is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrostructure finenessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the microstructure refinement function directly into the primary sintering process. Instead of using separate additional heat treatment steps, the controlled sintering at 1300°C to 1700°C simultaneously achieves both densification and fine microstructure formation (average crystallite size < 2 μm), thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

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

The resulting abrasive particles demonstrate improved mechanical properties, including higher compressive strength and grinding performance, compared to commercial particles, with a G ratio significantly enhanced.

Implementation Method 1

sintered abrasive particles... produced using a simple sintering process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP3475379B1Sintered abrasive particle comprising oxides present in bauxite
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 IMERTECH SAS
  • EP3475379B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1D
  • EP3475379B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~2A
  • EP3475379B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

The invention relates to sintered abrasive particles of which the chemical composition comprises the weight concentration ranges indicated in the table, to give a total of 100%.