Study on the effect of dispersed phase particle functional groups on the polishing performance of shear-thickening polishing slurry

This paper compares three types of dispersed phases—Phosphate Ester-Bis-Polyhydroxy Polymers, Hydroxypropyl-Bis-Polyhydroxy Phosphate Esters, and General Polyhydroxy Polymer—all of which are produced in large quantities on an industrial scale. The effect of different dispersed phase functional groups on Shear Thickening Polishing performance was investigated. Rheological properties were measured for Shear Thickening Fluids with various dispersed phase configurations, revealing that dispersed phases with hydroxypropyl functional groups exhibited superior rheological properties. The differences in viscosity among the experimental groups were explained using double stacking theory and particle size distribution, derived from the volume fraction of suspended particles. Furthermore, in Shear Thickening Polishing Fluid with different dispersed phase configurations, a new mechanism explaining changes in shear thickening behavior was proposed based on the distinct characteristics of the three dispersed phases. Measurements of polishing force and temperature during the polishing process, combined with SEM image comparisons, showed that dispersions containing phosphate functional groups demonstrated superior temperature resistance. Finally, the polishing performance was validated on YAG crystals, concluding that phosphate ester functional groups give the dispersed phase better temperature resistance for long polishing times, while hydroxypropyl functional groups give the dispersed phase better rheological properties for higher demands on polishing precision. • Mesh is formed between dispersed phase and abrasive particles at low shear rates. • Phosphate ester brings improved temperature resistance to Polyhydroxy Polymers. • Hydroxypropyl form hydrogen bonds with water molecules thus creating hydration layer • Hydration layer brings better rheology to Polyhydroxy Polymers