PACE Technologies ALO-2110-P1200 10" Diameter P1200 Grit Alumina Grinding Paper (Plain Backed) - 100 pcs.

Alumina (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) grinding papers offer a critical advantage when preparing soft, ductile materials prone to abrasive grain embedding. Derived from bauxite, alumina abrasives are slightly softer and tougher than silicon carbide, with a hardness of approximately 2000 HV (Mohs 9). This toughness means alumina grains are less friable, meaning they resist fracturing and embedding into soft specimen surfaces better than SiC. For materials like copper, aluminum, brass, gold, silver, and other soft non-ferrous metals, alumina papers significantly reduce the common problem of abrasive particles becoming embedded in the polished surface, which would appear as artifacts during microscopic examination. Alumina papers also perform well on refractory metals (rhenium, tungsten, vanadium) where conventional SiC may embed or cause excessive smearing. The European P-grading system is used for alumina papers, where P-grade numbers differ from standard ANSI grit designations (e.g., P220 ≈ 240 grit, P1200 ≈ 600 grit).

Alumina abrasives are typically used for grinding specimens that have a tendency to embed abrasive particles such as friable silicon carbide. Materials susceptible to embedding abrasive particles include low recrystallizing temperature metals such as tin, zinc and lead; electronic components containing solder joints; soft copper and aluminum metals; as well as, refractory metals such as rhenium, niobium and tungsten. Alumina abrasives are the better choice because they are more durable and do not fracture as easily.