Abrasive article containing elongated abrasive particles

Abstract

An abrasive article comprises elongated abrasive particles retained in at least one binder. The elongated abrasive particles comprise a ceramic body bounded by at least two longitudinally-oriented contiguous surfaces and first and second ends separated by the at least two longitudinally-oriented surfaces. At least one of the first and second ends comprises both a molded portion and a fractured portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An abrasive article comprising elongated abrasive particles retained in at least one binder, wherein the elongated abrasive particles comprise a ceramic body bounded by at least two longitudinally-oriented contiguous surfaces, and first and second ends separated by the at least two longitudinally-oriented surfaces, wherein at least one of the first and second ends comprises both a molded portion and a fractured portion. 
     
     
         2 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated abrasive particles comprise alpha alumina. 
     
     
         3 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two longitudinally-oriented contiguous surfaces comprise three or four longitudinally-oriented surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated abrasive particles have a substantially triangular or trapezoidal transverse cross-section. 
     
     
         5 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein both of the first and second opposite ends of the elongated abrasive particles comprise both a molded portion and a fractured portion. 
     
     
         6 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the fractured portions comprise projections. 
     
     
         7 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated abrasive particles have a length to width ratio of at least 2. 
     
     
         8 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein elongated abrasive particles conform to an abrasives industry specified nominal grade. 
     
     
         9 . The abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the abrasive article comprises a bonded abrasive article.