The nature of mechanically polished metal surfaces: The surface deformation produced by the abrasion and polishing of 70: 30 brass : L. E. Samuels. Institute of Metals, journal, v. 85, Oct. 1956, p. 51–62 + 4 plates

Abstract

The structure and depth of the deformed layer produced on surfaces of polycrystalline 70:30 brass by metallographic abrasion and polishing operations have been investigated systematically by a metallographic taper-sectioning technique. Based on this information, certain principles have been established for methods by which surfaces free from serious strains may be produced by mechanical methods of polishing. Information has also been obtained relative to the theory of polishing. The similarity in structure of the deformed layers on abraded and polished surfaces suggests that fine metallographic polishing operations occur essentially by a cutting mechanism. This is in contradiction to the theory due to Beilby that polishing takes place by a process of surface flow. The metallographic evidence supporting the Beilby theory is critically reviewed, and it is concluded that it is now considerably less convincing than the evidence supporting the new theory. In particular, it is shown that the phenomenon of the apparent reappearance of scratches during the etching of polished surfaces can be explained more simply and more completely by the new theory.