Chemo-mechanical machining of ceramics

Chemically assisted machining of ceramics is a way to remove ceramic materials rap idly using chemical reactions at the interface between the tool and the workpiece. Two useful effects are observed: chemicals react with the workpiece forming an easily removable layer; chemicals react with the tool preventing wear. These chemical reactions normally do not occur at ambient conditions but take place during grinding. Potential advantages of this technique include: faster removal of materials, better surface finish, and ease of implementation with normal machine tools. Fluid chemistries discovered so far work with diamond tools.