Mechanism of abrasive polishing of refractory transition metals

Abstract

1. A study was made of the relationship between the ductility of titanium, niobium, and tungsten carbides and the amount of material removed from Groups IV–VI refractory transition metals during abrasive polishing and also of the relationship between the surface finish acquired by these metals during polishing and their mechanical properties. 2. It was established that, for all the metals investigated, the greater the ductility of the abrasive the greater is the amount of metal removed. 3. The amount of material removed from refractory transition metals during polishing with each of the carbides selected is determined by their crystal lattice rigidity (measured by the quantity mθ2), decreasing with increase in lattice rigidity. 4. The surface roughness produced by polishing grows on passing from Group IV to Group V metals and then diminishes for Group VI metals. Such a variation of surface roughness is a consequence of the dual nature of atomic linkage in these metals.