Synthesis and Abrasive Properties of Nanoparticulate Modified Solid Solutions of Aluminum and Iron Oxides

Abstract

X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and chemical analysis are used to elucidate the general mechanisms underlying the formation of nanoparticulate solid solutions based on Al_{2– х}Fe_хO₃ and Fe_{2 –y}Al_yO₃ modified with molybdenum dioxide, zirconium dioxide, and yttrium oxide and prepared by heat-treating ammonium hydroxocarbonate complexes, such as NH₄Al₂Fe(OH)₅(CO₃)₂. The addition of modifying oxides (within 0.005 mol %) is shown to enhance the polishing ability of the solid solutions for finish polishing of nonferrous metals and alloys (copper and brass) by a factor of 5–7 relative to unmodified aluminum iron oxides, which is attributable to the increased chemical activity of the abrasive material. A modified aluminum iron oxide containing 0.001–0.003 Y₂O₃ is more effective in polishing titanium. The surface roughness thus achieved is R_a = 0.005–0.006 μm.