Method for recovering cubic boron nitride abrasive grains from vitrified cBN stones- A preliminary Study

Abstract In this work, a process is established for recovering cubic boron nitride (cBN) grains from fired vitrified cBN products. The abrasive grains are recovered by an acid washing technique. Two methods were used to recover the abrasive grains, namely with and without pre-heating. Shape and surface characteristics of the recovered grains were analysed through optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The recovery yield of abrasive grain and bond percentage present in the abrasive tool was measured experimentally. From the experimental results, the maximum recovery yield of 81 percentage was obtained in the pre-heated sample. Bond free abrasive grains are also obtained from the pre-heated samples and confirmed through elemental analysis.