Abrasive Grade Bauxite is a high-alumina bauxite that has been calcined at very high temperatures (typically 1,600–1,800 °C) to produce an extremely hard, dense, and wear-resistant material.
It is not intended for aluminium extraction. Instead, it is engineered for mechanical wear, grinding, polishing, friction, and surface treatment applications.
In simple terms:
✔ Metallurgical bauxite → aluminium production
✔ Abrasive grade bauxite → hardness & wear resistance
Processing & Microstructural Behavior
High-Temperature Calcination
| Step | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Raw Bauxite Selection | Diaspore-rich or high-boehmite bauxite |
| Calcination (1,600–1,800 °C) | Dehydration & phase transformation |
| Mineral Conversion | Hydroxides → corundum (α-Al₂O₃) |
| Final Structure | Dense, low-porosity, ultra-hard material |
Resulting Microstructure
✔ Interlocked corundum crystals
✔ Very high grain strength
✔ Excellent resistance to mechanical and thermal shock
Available Forms
✔ Calcined bauxite lumps
✔ Calcined bauxite grains
✔ Bauxite powder / fines
✔ Fused or semi-fused bauxite
✔ Graded abrasive media (mesh-sized)
Applications of Abrasive Grade Bauxite
Abrasives & Surface Treatment
✔ Grinding wheels
✔ Sandpaper & abrasive belts
✔ Shot blasting & grit blasting
✔ Polishing compounds
Anti-Skid & Wear Surfaces
✔ High-friction road surfaces
✔ Airport runways
✔ Bridge decks
✔ Industrial flooring
Refractories & Wear Linings
✔ Refractory bricks
✔ Kiln and furnace linings
✔ Wear-resistant concrete
✔ Foundry applications
Oil & Gas Industry
✔ Proppants for hydraulic fracturing (high strength under pressure)
Advantages of Abrasive Grade Bauxite
✔ Extremely hard and durable
✔ Superior wear and abrasion resistance
✔ High thermal stability
✔ Long service life in harsh conditions
✔ Cost-effective alternative to synthetic alumina
✔ Good chemical resistance
Why Choose Abrasive Grade Bauxite?
Performance
✔ Withstands intense mechanical wear
✔ Maintains integrity at high temperatures
✔ Excellent friction and skid resistance
Economics
✔ Lower cost than fused alumina
✔ Long service life reduces replacement frequency
Versatility
✔ Suitable for abrasives, refractories, road safety, oil & gas
✔ Performs reliably in both dry and wet environments
Reliability
✔ Consistent hardness
✔ Stable chemical composition
✔ Proven industrial performance
Abrasive Grade vs Metallurgical Grade
| Feature | Abrasive Grade | Metallurgical Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Al₂O₃ Content | Very High | Moderate |
| Processing | High-temperature calcination | Bayer digestion |
| Main Use | Wear & grinding | Aluminium production |
| Hardness | Very high | Low (raw ore) |
Abrasive Grade Bauxite is a high-performance industrial mineral designed for extreme wear, friction, and mechanical stress environments. Its combination of hardness, thermal stability, and durability makes it indispensable across abrasives, refractories, infrastructure safety, and energy sectors.