abrasive

Abrasive materials, derived from the Latin word "abrasion" for "scraping", are substances that, through friction or grinding, are able to erode, shape, clean or smooth other materials.

• Definition: In materials science, abrasion refers to the removal of material through mechanical influences, such as rubbing.
• Applications:
  • Surface treatment: Abrasives, such as sandpaper, are used to smooth wood by removing rough sections.
  • Cleaning: They can also be used to remove difficult-to-remove substances, such as the abrasive particles in scouring milk, which remove stains or food residue.
  • Forming and processing: Used as abrasives, they are used to process and shape materials. Examples include whetstones for sharpening knives and tools as well as industrial abrasives in production.
• Precautions: The use of abrasive materials can cause wear, especially with intensive or repeated use. For example, excessive brushing can wear away tooth enamel.