Ultrasonic assisted abrasive nano-blasting

Abstract

This research introduces abrasive nano-blasting using fine abrasive particles. Fine abrasive particles are difficult to use in abrasive blasting due to tendency of forming agglomerates caused by prevalent surface forces. The pressure gradient and streaming effect of ultrasonic vibration is utilized to break the abrasive agglomerates before impacting the workpiece for polishing. It could be observed through simulations that the pressure gradient to overcome the adhesive forces and breaking the agglomerates can be theoretically achieved. Polishing experiments revealed that acoustic streaming inside the ultrasonic cavity also improved uniform surface generation with up to 67 % reduction in surface roughness Sa.