Grinding of nanostructured ceramic coatings: surface observations and material removal mechanisms

Surface grinding of thermally sprayed nanostructured WC/12Co and Al₂O₃/13TiO₂ (n-WC/12Co and n-Al₂O₃/13TiO₂) coatings has been undertaken with diamond wheels and under various grinding conditions. This paper investigates the effects of the grinding parameters such as depth of cut, feedrate, wheel grit size and bond materials on grinding forces, surface finish and surface topography. Different from their consolidated counterparts, the coatings have large quantities of defects inherited from thermal spray process, which greatly influence the grinding process and ground coatings. The competing phenomenon between the effects on surface finish from both the thermal spray process and the grinding process is studied. Different surface topographies are observed and their relationship with grinding conditions and material properties is investigated. Furthermore, the material removal mechanisms in grinding are explored. The effects of grinding parameters, material properties and the defects from thermal spray process on material removal mechanisms are discussed.