As a seasoned supplier of white corundum, I am often asked about the particle size range of this remarkable material. White corundum, also known as white fused alumina, is a high - quality abrasive and refractory material with a wide range of applications. In this blog, I'll delve into the details of its particle size range, its significance, and how it relates to various uses.
Understanding White Corundum
White corundum is produced by fusing high - purity alumina powder in an electric arc furnace at extremely high temperatures. This process results in a product with excellent hardness, high melting point, and good chemical stability. It is widely used in industries such as abrasives, refractories, ceramics, and electronics.
Particle Size Range of White Corundum
The particle size range of white corundum can vary significantly, depending on the manufacturing process and the intended application. Generally, the particle size of white corundum can be classified into several categories:
Coarse Particles
Coarse white corundum particles typically range from 10 to 60 mesh. The term "mesh" refers to the number of openings per linear inch in a sieve. A lower mesh number indicates a larger particle size. Coarse - grained white corundum is commonly used in applications where aggressive material removal is required. For example, in the abrasive industry, it is used for rough grinding of metals, such as in the initial shaping of steel workpieces. In refractory applications, coarse particles can enhance the mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance of refractory products.
Medium Particles
Medium - sized white corundum particles usually fall within the range of 60 to 120 mesh. These particles offer a balance between material removal rate and surface finish. They are often used in applications such as sandblasting, where a relatively smooth surface finish is desired after the blasting process. In the production of coated abrasives, medium - sized particles are used to create sandpaper or abrasive belts that can be used for both metal and woodworking.
Fine Particles
Fine white corundum particles range from 120 to 600 mesh. Fine - grained white corundum is ideal for applications that require a high - quality surface finish. In the precision grinding of optical lenses, fine particles are used to achieve a smooth and scratch - free surface. In the electronics industry, fine white corundum is used for polishing semiconductor wafers to ensure high - precision dimensions and surface quality.
Micro - Particles
Micro - sized white corundum particles have a particle size smaller than 600 mesh. These ultra - fine particles are used in applications where extremely high precision and surface smoothness are required. For example, in the manufacturing of hard disk drives, micro - particles of white corundum are used for the final polishing of the magnetic disks to achieve a mirror - like finish.
Significance of Particle Size
The particle size of white corundum plays a crucial role in determining its performance in different applications.
In abrasive applications, the particle size affects the material removal rate and the surface finish. Coarser particles can remove material quickly but may leave a rough surface, while finer particles provide a smoother finish but at a slower material removal rate.
In refractory applications, the particle size distribution influences the porosity, density, and mechanical properties of the refractory product. A well - graded particle size distribution can improve the packing density of the refractory material, resulting in better thermal insulation and mechanical strength.
Applications Based on Particle Size
Abrasive Applications
- Grinding Wheels: For heavy - duty grinding operations, such as grinding large steel forgings, coarse - grained white corundum is used in the manufacturing of grinding wheels. For precision grinding of small components, fine - grained white corundum is preferred. You can find more information about white corundum as an abrasive media on our White Aluminum Oxide Abrasive Media page.
- Sandblasting: Coarse and medium - sized white corundum particles are commonly used in sandblasting applications. Coarse particles are used for removing thick coatings or rust from metal surfaces, while medium particles are used for a more refined surface preparation before painting or coating.
Refractory Applications
- Refractory Bricks: A combination of different particle sizes of white corundum is used in the production of refractory bricks. Coarse particles form the skeletal structure, while fine particles fill the gaps between the coarse particles, improving the density and strength of the bricks. You can learn more about the uses of white fused alumina in refractories on our White Fused Alumina Uses page.
- Monolithic Refractories: In monolithic refractories, such as castables and gunning mixes, the particle size distribution is carefully controlled to ensure proper flowability during installation and good mechanical and thermal properties after curing.
Ceramic and Electronic Applications
- Ceramic Components: Fine and micro - sized white corundum particles are used in the production of high - performance ceramic components. These particles can improve the hardness, wear resistance, and electrical insulation properties of the ceramics.
- Electronics Polishing: As mentioned earlier, micro - particles of white corundum are used for polishing semiconductor wafers and other electronic components to achieve high - precision surfaces. You can explore more about white corundum products suitable for electronics on our White Tublar Alumina page.
Choosing the Right Particle Size
When selecting the appropriate particle size of white corundum for a specific application, several factors need to be considered. These include the nature of the workpiece material, the required surface finish, the processing method, and the cost.
If you are unsure about which particle size is best for your application, our team of experts is ready to assist you. We have extensive experience in providing customized white corundum solutions based on your specific requirements.
Conclusion
The particle size range of white corundum is diverse, spanning from coarse to micro - sized particles. Each particle size category has its unique properties and applications. Whether you are in the abrasive, refractory, ceramic, or electronics industry, understanding the particle size range of white corundum is essential for achieving the best performance in your products.
As a leading supplier of white corundum, we are committed to providing high - quality products with precise particle size control. If you are interested in purchasing white corundum for your business, we invite you to contact us for more information and to discuss your specific needs. Our team of professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you get the right product at the best price.
References
- "Abrasive Technology Handbook", Industrial Press Inc.
- "Refractory Materials: Principles and Practice", CRC Press
- "Ceramic Materials: Science and Engineering", John Wiley & Sons
