Continuous microwave sintering of alumina abrasive grits

In this study, a large batch of commercial alumina abrasive grit was successfully microwave sintered using a continuous microwave sintering technique. The properties of the microwave sintered grit product can be easily controlled by adjusting the sintering temperature and the feed rate. In comparison of the conventionally sintered product, the microwave sintered material exhibited better abrasive and mechanical properties. Microscopic examination revealed a much finer microstructure of the microwave processed material than for the conventional product. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.