Abstract: Coatable compositions suitable for use in producing abrasive articles are presented. The inventive coatable compositions comprise a free radically polymerizable composition, abrasive particles, and a photoinitiator system. The photoinitiator system consists essentially of a compound which cleaves via .alpha.-cleavage and has a molar absorptivity in dilute methanol solution ranging from about 4 to about 400 liter/mole-cm in at least some portion of the UV/visible spectrum ranging from about 395 and about 500 nanometers. Abrasive articles incorporating cured versions of the compositions are presented, as well as methods of making and using the articles.

Abstract: An abrasive composite is presented having a controller rate of erosion, the composite comprising abrasive particles dispersed in the binder, wherein the binder comprises an addition polymerized resin having clay particles dispersed therein. The abrasive composite may be adhered to various substrates, including paper, cloth, polymeric films, and nonwovens. The clay particles allow the binder, and thus the composite, to controllably erode upon abrasion of a workpiece, thus exposing fresh abrasive particles to the workpiece. Coatable compositions comprising clay particles dispersed in a binder precursor composition, and optionally containing abrasive particles, are also described, as well as methods of making and using the composites and articles.

Abstract: An abrasive article having a sheet-like structure having a major surface and having deployed in a fixed position thereon a plurality of abutting abrasive composites in an area spacing of at least 1,200 composites/cm.sup.2, each of the composites comprising a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed in a binder. The invention also relates to a method for reducing a surface finish of a workpiece surface using the abrasive article and a process for making the abrasive article of the invention.

Abstract: An abrasive composite is presented having a controlled rate of erosion, the composite comprising abrasive particles dispersed in the binder, wherein the binder comprises an addition polymerized resin having clay particles dispersed therein. The abrasive composite may be adhered to various substrates, including paper, cloth, polymeric films, and nonwovens. The clay particles allow the binder, and thus the composite, to controllably erode upon abrasion of a workpiece, thus exposing fresh abrasive particles to the workpiece. Coatable compositions comprising clay particles dispersed in a binder precursor composition, and optionally containing abrasive particles, are also described, as well as methods of making and using the composites and articles.