Interfacial fracture of vitrified corundum (α-Al2O3)

The study of bonding hard materials such as corundum (alumina) and the nature of interfacial cohesion between corundum and. glass is very important from a cuffing tool manufacturer's viewpoint. Vitrified grinding wheels are used to remove large volumes of metal and to produce components with very high tolerances. It is expected that the same grinding wheel be used for both rough and finish machining operations. Therefore, the grinding wheel, and in particular its bonding system, is expected to react differently to a variety of machining operations. In order to maintain the integrity of the grinding wheel, the bonding system that is used to hold abrasive grains in place will react differently to forces that are placed on individual bonding bridges. This paper examines the role of vitrification heat treatment on the development of strength between abrasive grains and bonding bridges, and the nature of fracture and wear in vitrified grinding wheels.