Suspensions/Slurries
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Suspensions and slurries are liquid-base abrasive polishing products made to simplify dispensing, whether by hand or by machine through a dispenser/doser. Available in several mineral types (alumina, diamond & silica) in various container sizes for convenience. |
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Diamond Available in different types (poly, mono) in several carrier options (glycol, water, alcohol), diamond is the most commonly used abrasive polishing product available from 45 micron to 0.05 micron in size. All products are water-soluble, meaning only water is needed to rinse/wash away the abrasive from the sample and machine surface(s). |
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| Polycrystalline diamond provides higher removal rates than monocrystalline abrasive. During polishing, the diamond fractures into smaller polycrystalline diamonds producing a finer finish in less time. It produces less subsurface deformation, and is excellent when polishing samples composed of different materials or hardness. | |
| Monocrystalline diamond offers a cost-effective means for good stock removal and finish. It has a slightly irregular shape with multiple cutting edges, and is recommended for general applications where polycrystalline’s features are not required. | |
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Carrier There are several liquid carriers to choose from. |
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Glycol-based is nearly water-free, in a lubricating carrier of glycol and a high concentration of diamond, this formula offers best all-around performance. It is the most common choice and can be dispensed either manually or through an automatic dispenser without clogging. For increased lubrication, it is compatible for use with either RedLube™ or GreenLube™. |
| Water-based is free of any lubricating properties, formulated for strict EHS environments. It can be dispensed either manually or through an automatic dispenser. Not recommended for use in cold weather environments as it can/will freeze during transport. | |
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Odor-free alcohol-based suspension is recommended for polishing water-sensitive materials such as zinc, magnesium and steel with nonmetallic inclusions, often in EBSD preparation using a vibratiory polisher. This formula is recommended for manual application or automatic dispensing systems, where an alcohol-based lubricant such as RedLube™ or PurpleLube™ can be used. |
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DiaLube combines both diamond and glycol lubricant in a premixed ratio offering the convenience of dispensing from a single container, making it ideal for limited dispenser capacity and/or for manual dispensing. |
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Alumina Alumina-based polishing solutions are generally limited to final polishing applications for optical glass and ferrous metal alloys. |
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De-Agglomerated - Made with 99.9% pure white aluminum oxide, suspensions feature de-agglomerated particles in a neutral pH water carrier with a medium viscosity that can be lowered by adding DI water. |
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FinalPrep - This sub-micron, polycrystalline alumina solution features a pH between 9 to 9.5 that provides enhanced microstructural contrast. It works exceptionally well for polishing soft, ductile or precious metals, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and solder(s) alloys. |
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OpTech - This unique water-based alpha alumina slurry features diamond and silica additives and a pH range between 9 and 10.5 that makes it excellent for polishing optical materials such as (fused) glass, BK-7, borofloat, fiber optics, quartz, sapphire and ceramics. Recommend for use with Final A, ChemPol, DiaMat and/or Kempad polishing cloths. |
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Colloidal - Stabilized in an acidic (~4 pH) solution, this product is ideal for final polishing of ferrous metals and ceramics, providing microscopic contrast. The non-clogging formula flows easily through fluid dispensing systems, and it can be diluted with DI water up to 3:1. Use with either ChemPol, Final P or Red Final C. |
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Silica Silica polishing solutions/slurries feature nanometer scale abrasive particles stabilized in either an alkaline or acidic aqueous solution. When optimized with the right type of polishing cloth/pad, they are capable of producing very smooth, artifact-free finishes. The pH provides very good grain boundary contrast in hetereogenous materials. Polishing with these products is best done using chemo-textile pads and those engineered to better withstand the strong chemistry. |
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Silica - With an alkaline pH, this product is excellent for producing sub-angstrom roughness and finishes on a wide variety of metal alloys and non-metals suitable for examination in either an optical or electron microscope. For the smoothest finish, use with FInal A. For higher removal rate, use with ChemPol, Red Final C, or Final P. The non-drying, non-crystallizing formula easily washes/rinses from sample and machine surfaces - best done using warm water. |
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Silica/alumina hybrid - Featuring an alkaline pH (~8.5) , this solution combines the advantage of alumina for more rapid material removal with the smoother finish characteristics silica provides. It is used to final polish both ferrous and nonferrous metals, metal matrix composites and various nonmetallic materials. Use with either ChemPol, Final A, Red Final C or Final P. |
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