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Sol–Gel Abrasive Grains: History, Precursor Properties, and Microstructural Control

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Handbook of Sol-Gel Science and Technology

Abstract

The sol–gel approach is ideally suited to the synthesis of abrasive grains. Abrasive grains are generally deployed in the size range (up to about 2 mm) that is easily obtainable by colloidal sol–gel processing, and the sol–gel approach allows for unprecedented control of abrasive particle properties. This paper provides a concise historical perspective of sol–gel abrasive materials, an overview of the synthesis and properties of boehmite, the critical alumina precursor material used in the production of commercial abrasive minerals, a discussion of the conversion of boehmite into abrasive grains, and examples of the microstructural control that has been achieved via manipulation of the chemistry of these sol–gel materials.

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Correspondence to Thomas E. Wood .

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Wood, T.E., Erickson, D.D., Schwabel, M.G., Goodbrake, C.J. (2016). Sol–Gel Abrasive Grains: History, Precursor Properties, and Microstructural Control. In: Klein, L., Aparicio, M., Jitianu, A. (eds) Handbook of Sol-Gel Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19454-7_60-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19454-7_60-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-19454-7

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