Composite abrasive article, and method of making and using the same

Abstract

A composite abrasive article comprises an open mesh backing member having first and second major surfaces and coated abrasive members secured to the first major surface. Independently, each coated abrasive member respectively comprises an abrasive layer comprising abrasive particles secured to a coated abrasive backing by at least one binder material. A method of making a composite abrasive article is also disclosed.

1 . A composite abrasive article comprising:
 an open mesh backing member having first and second major surfaces; and   coated abrasive members secured to the first major surface of the open mesh backing member, wherein independently each coated abrasive member respectively comprises:
 an abrasive layer comprising abrasive particles secured to a coated abrasive backing by at least one binder material. 
   
     
     
         2 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein each of the coated abrasive members is independently secured to the first major surface by at least one respective adhesive layer sandwiched therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment element secured to the second major surface of the open mesh backing member and disposed opposite the coated abrasive members. 
     
     
         4 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the coated abrasive members comprise a make layer, a size layer, and optionally a supersize layer. 
     
     
         5 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the coated abrasive members are arranged according to a predetermined pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the coated abrasive members are compositionally the same. 
     
     
         7 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the coated abrasive members have the same shape and size. 
     
     
         8 . The composite abrasive article of claim  42 , wherein said at least one respective adhesive layer comprises hot melt adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . The composite abrasive article of claim  42 , wherein said at least one respective adhesive layer comprises thermosetting adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the open mesh backing member comprises a woven mesh. 
     
     
         11 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the open mesh backing member comprises unitary plastic sheet or belt. 
     
     
         12 . A method of making a composite abrasive article, the method comprising:
 providing an open mesh backing member having first and second major surfaces; and   securing coated abrasive members to the first major surface, wherein each coated abrasive member independently respectively comprises:
 an abrasive layer comprising abrasive particles secured to a coated abrasive backing by at least one binder material. 
   
     
     
         13 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein said securing coated abrasive members to the first major surface is accomplished with adhesive. 
     
     
         14 . The composite abrasive article of  claim 1 , wherein the open mesh backing member further comprises an attachment element opposite the coated abrasive members. 
     
     
         15 . A method of using a composite abrasive article, the method comprising:
 frictionally contacting the abrasive layer of at least one of the coated abrasive members of the coated abrasive article of  claim 1  with a surface of a workpiece; and   moving at least one of the coated abrasive article or the workpiece relative to the other to abrade the surface of the workpiece.