Details:
Summary:
Although brush graining is the major form of graining in the United States, no information on the effect of variables in the process has been published. We have evaluated the effect of line speed, number of passes, brush pressure, slurry concentration, and slurry composition as revealed by measurements of surface area, imbedded silicon, and gloss. Both scanning and transmission electron microscopy have been used to reveal the surface structure. Variations in brush pressure produced the most significant changes among the graining variables studied. Surface area measurement proved to be the most consistent technique for evaluation of graining parameters. The contact time (number of passes times contact length divided by line speed) was a useful term for correlating results at various combinations of line speeds and passes on our one-brush unit. Correlation of the various tests will be discussed.