Chemical-Mechanical Treatment

a method of treating hard surfaces that combines chemical and mechanical breakdown processes.

Abrasion tools or simple abrasive grains are usually used as the cutting tools, although tools made of steel and hard alloys are also sometimes used. During chemical-mechanical treatment, the surface layer either reacts chemically with surfactants that are introduced, thus forming a chemical compound that is easily decomposable, or is subjected to adsorption-chemical action of the reagent being used. By being adsorbed on the surface of the treated solid, the surfactants intensify the development of weak areas (defects) and microscopic cracks, thereby facilitating subsequent mechanical treatment. All surfactants (pastes and liquids) used in chemical-mechanical treatment, usually oleic and stearic acids, as well as rosin, combine the principles of chemical conversion and adsorption-chemical action.

The most common type of chemical-mechanical treatment is the polishing of the surfaces of metals, glasses, and rocks.