Lapping slurry
AssigneeLockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.
InventorsRonald F. Simandl, Victor S. Upchurch, Michael E. Leitten
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved lapping slurries provide for easier and more thorough cleaning of alumina workpieces, as well as inhibit corrosion of the lapping table and provide for easier cleaning of the lapping equipment. The unthickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, and triethanolamine. The thickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, triethanolamine, a water soluble silicate, and acid.
Claims19
An unthickened lapping slurry comprising abrasive grains dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine in an amount less than 80 wt %, and between about 1 wt % and about 70 wt % triethanolamine.
A thickened lapping slurry comprising abrasive grains dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine in an amount less than 80 wt %, between about 1 wt % and about 70 wt % triethanolamine, and a water soluble silicate in an amount less than 10 wt %.
A method of making a thickened lapping slurry comprising abrasive grains dispersed within a carrier, the method comprising the steps of:
- (A) Combining abrasive grains with liquid ingredients water, glycerine in an amount less than 80 wt %, and between about 1 wt % and about 70 wt % triethanolamine, to form a first mixture;
- (B) Heating the first mixture to a temperature above about 70.degree. C.;
- (C) Dissolving a water soluble silicate in the first mixture to form a second mixture;
- and
- (D) vigorously stirring, the second mixture and gradually adding sufficient acid selected from the group of acids consisting of inorganic acids and acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, gluconic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid to form a thickened lapping slurry comprising a carrier and abrasive grains, the carrier having a pH of between about 8 and about 10.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.