FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to articles and methods regarding low-shedding nonwoven abrasives that achieve a high grind ratio and comprise a blend of a first plurality and a second plurality of abrasive particles that is disposed on the fibers of a nonwoven web, wherein the first plurality of abrasive particles has an average particle size larger than an average fiber diameter of the fibers, and the second plurality of abrasive particles have an average particle size smaller than the average fiber diameter.

BACKGROUND

Abrasive articles, such as nonwoven abrasive articles, are used in various industries to abrade work pieces, such as by grinding, buffing, or polishing in order to condition the surface of the workpiece to a desired condition (e.g., coating removal, surface roughness, gloss, transparency, etc.). Abrading using nonwoven abrasive articles spans a wide industrial scope from aerospace to optics, and plays a particularly important part in metal fabrication industries. Such manufacturing operations can use nonwoven abrasives to remove bulk material and achieve desired surface characteristics for workpieces.

Surface characteristics include shine, texture, and uniformity. For example, manufacturers of various types of components use nonwoven abrasive articles to grind and polish surfaces to a desired uniformly smooth surface. Additionally, nonwoven abrasive articles are used to prepare workpiece surfaces before and after applying a coating material, such as a polymer coating (e.g., a varnish or paint) or a ceramic coating (e.g., a thermal spray coating). In some cases, the workpieces can have complex shapes that conventional abrasives do not have the right balance of physical properties and abrasive performance to provide a satisfactory finish. Therefore, there continues to be a need for improved abrasive products, including improved nonwoven abrasive products.

