The effects of polishing with magnetic compound fluid

A new magnetic compound fluid (MCF), which consists of magnetite, iron and alumina abrasive particles has been developed for fine polishing. This investigation is to study the influence of a magnetic field on surface finish during polishing. The results showed that the surface roughness of steel specimens reached a minimum after polishing in an optimum magnetic field. In addition, a bluish coloured layer formed on the polished surface and EDXA and XPS results indicated a high oxygen level at the surface which confirmed that oxidation had occurred.