Influence of particle morphology and agglomeration on the polishing behavior of aluminum oxide powders

Surface finishes of optical materials are greatly influenced by the size and type of abrasives that are used during the grinding, lapping, and polishing steps. This paper examines the additional characteristics of particle morphology and agglomeration as factors that will influence the surface quality. Different submicron aluminum oxide polishing powders and their influence on the polishing of different optical materials and the resulting surface finishes will be examined.