Pace Technologies, SIC-180P12-50, 12" Premium SiC Abrasive Paper, PSA, 180 Grit
Features:
SiC is a manufactured abrasive produced by a high-temperature reaction between silica and carbon. It has a hexagonal-rhombohedral crystal structure and a hardness of approximately 2500 HV. It is an ideal abrasive for cutting and grinding metallographic specimens because of its hardness and sharp edges. It is also somewhat brittle and cleaves easily to produce sharp edges (self-sharpening). SiC is an excellent abrasive for maximizing cutting rates while minimizing surface and subsurface damage.
Bonded or coated abrasive papers of SiC are designed so that the abrasive will have many cutting points (negative abrasive rank angle). This is achieved by aligning the abrasive particles approximately normal to the backing. Note that coated abrasives are not quite coplanar, thus SiC papers produce the maximum efficiency (cut rate, stock removal, and minimal damage) because the abrasive is exposed as the old abrasive breaks down.
