Influence of Particle Size and Calcination Temperature on the Abrasiveness of Garnet for Water Jet Cutting of Tough Materials

Abstract

This study shows the influence of calcinations temperature and particle size of natural garnet mineral on its hardness and abrasiveness (H/A) for use in water jet cutting of tough materials. A standard commercial sample of the mineral was characterized in terms of the hardness and abrasiveness properties. The sample was sized to 4 fractions having the size of <60 um, > 60 < 100 um, > 100 < 200 um and > 200 < 250 um designated the symbols, FF, MF, MC and C respectively. Each fraction was separately heated in controlled conditions at temperatures up to 1000°C at a heating rate of 10°C/min in an electrically heated tube furnace. Soaking time at the maximum temperature was 60 minutes. Hardness and abrasiveness properties of the heat treated samples were tested to cut marble having a thickness of 30 mm. Results revealed that H/A of the garnet mineral increased by heating at temperatures up to 750°C and exhibited gradual decrease with higher temperatures up to 1000°C. Results were explained in the light of a structural irreversible metamorphism (SM) of the garnet crystals; almandine Fe2+ 3Al2Si3O12and propel Mg3Al2Si3O12. Metamorphism involved reorientation of the crystals followed by coherence to form dense grouping. At higher temperature, irreversible thermal expansion of the structure sets in. Characterization of the mineral was carried out with the help of XRD, SEM and FT-IR measurements.