Abstract

Alumina has been used extensively as an abrasive in the metallographic and precision optical industries. The utility of alumina is derived from its relative low cost, high hardness, chemical inertness, and toughness in lapping and polishing applications. In lapping operations where stock removal and rough shaping are sought, the lower purity, graded Bayer process alumina is used. For final polishing applications, the high purity, submicron, alum derived alumina is generally used. The purpose of this discussion is to point out the general differences between Bayer process and alum derived alumina, and to introduce a new type of alum derived alumina with substantially improved polishing characteristics.

© 1982 Optical Society of America