Which of the following is an artificial abrasive used in a grinding wheel?

Explanation:

Artificial Abrasive in a Grinding Wheel

• An abrasive is a material used to wear down or shape other materials through friction. Grinding wheels are tools that use abrasives to remove material from the surface of a workpiece. Artificial abrasives are man-made materials specifically engineered to meet certain hardness, toughness, and thermal stability requirements, making them suitable for various grinding applications.

Silicon Carbide

• Silicon carbide is a widely used artificial abrasive in grinding wheels due to its exceptional hardness and thermal resistance. It is manufactured by combining silicon and carbon at high temperatures in an electric furnace. This process, known as the Acheson process, results in a material that is extremely hard and capable of cutting through tough materials.

Properties of Silicon Carbide:

• Hardness: Silicon carbide is one of the hardest materials, second only to diamond and boron carbide.
• Thermal Stability: It can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for high-speed grinding applications.
• Wear Resistance: Its high wear resistance ensures a longer lifespan for the grinding wheel.
• Sharp Cutting Edges: The sharp edges of silicon carbide particles allow for efficient material removal.

Applications of Silicon Carbide Grinding Wheels:

• Grinding of hard and brittle materials like glass, ceramics, and cast iron.
• Sharpening of cutting tools.
• Precision grinding in industries like aerospace and automotive.

Silicon carbide's unique combination of properties makes it an ideal choice for grinding wheels, particularly for applications requiring high performance and durability.