The type of diamond used in grinding and polishing liquids significantly impacts the performance of the final product. Industrial diamonds are classified into natural and synthetic categories, each produced through various methods.
Natural diamond micro-powder is typically made from lower-grade diamonds, which, while unsuitable for gem quality, are often used in industrial applications. However, natural diamonds are relatively scarce and subject to variability in natural resources.
Synthetic diamonds, on the other hand, are produced through high-temperature/high-pressure processes. This method involves using a metal catalyst to convert graphite into diamond, commonly referred to as single-crystal diamond abrasives. The quality of these synthetic diamonds can vary widely, ranging from high purity to high impurity levels. Single-crystal diamond micro-powder is created by further crushing diamond particles and then micronizing the powder, resulting in a widely used material.
Another type of synthetic diamond is produced by detonating explosives wrapped around graphite rods. The extreme heat and pressure from the explosion directly convert graphite into polycrystalline diamond, usually resulting in diamond sizes smaller than 10 microns, which also require micronization for use in grinding and polishing. While polycrystalline diamonds are not as widely applied as single-crystal diamonds, they tend to be more expensive.
Additionally, nano-diamonds are created in controlled environments by detonating plastic explosives. The explosion produces a residue containing small amounts of lower-grade diamonds, known as nano-diamonds. After cleaning and dispersing, these nano-diamonds typically measure less than 1 micron. Although their production is less complex than that of single-crystal or polycrystalline diamonds, they do not match the performance of micron-sized diamonds in grinding and polishing applications.
Among all factors influencing the grinding and polishing performance of liquids, particle size is crucial. The average particle size determines the material removal rate and the resultant surface roughness or scratch levels. Both single-crystal and polycrystalline diamonds can be graded based on precise average sizes and percent tolerance.
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