Polymer/CeO2–Fe3O4 multicomponent core–shell particles for high-efficiency magnetic-field-assisted polishing processes

Abstract

Novel multicomponent core–shell particles have been developed for use in high-efficiency magnetic-field-assisted polishing processes. The core–shell particles consist of core polymer particles covered by a shell composed of magnetic particles and abrasive grains. The particle preparation process involves agitation of the particle mixture in a dry ambient atmosphere with an appropriate controlled temperature, which is a simple and low-cost technique compared with the conventional sintering and granulation process used for the preparation of magnetic abrasives. Although the prepared polymer/CeO2–Fe3O4 multicomponent core–shell particles exhibit inferior glass-polishing performance compared to CeO2 abrasives without an applied magnetic field, they reveal a markedly higher removal rate in the presence of the magnetic field than that exhibited by conventional abrasives and mixed compounds (Fe3O4 and CeO2). Furthermore, polishing using the core–shell particles with the magnetic field shows the potential to achieve a superior material surface quality compared to conventional polishing.