Novel Method of Developing Nanosilica Coated Alumina Micro Abrasives Using Silicon Nanoparticles Generated from Spark Erosion as the Source

Abstract

Silica coated alumina abrasives, used for abrading the surface of Yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics, were produced in order to achieve successful bonding with resin luting cement. The source of the silica coating was from Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) that were produced from spark erosion in high pressure flushing of deionized water. SEM images verified average size distribution of the SiNPs to be between 30-50nm. In contrast to the tribochemical methods that are used widely to produce such abrasives, a completely novel dry physical process was opted for this experiment. By optimization of the conditions, 2g of purified SiNPs was mixed with 20g of alumina μ-particles (approximated diameter of 100μm), in presence of 25ml ethanol, mixed thoroughly to form slurry. Heated up to 120°C for 20 minutes to evaporate the ethanol, the resultant powder mix was compacted and uploaded in furnace at temperature of 1100°C for 2hrs. This formed an oxide layer on the SiNPs which consequently formed bonding with the alumina particles. SEM/EDS results validate substantial amount of coating of silica on alumina. The paper hereby demonstrates a novel method of producing silica coated alumina abrasives, which is a dry and cleaner substitution method compared to tribochemical approach.