Cerium Oxide (Ceria)

Advanced Abrasives is a leading provider of high-quality abrasive materials, including superabrasives, conventional abrasives, and related product categories. Among our extensive product portfolio is Cerium Oxide (Ceria), a powerful polishing solution known for its impressive performance and unique benefits. Get your hands on Cerium Oxide and utilize this fantastic product for your needs.

PremaLox C Cerium Oxide Powder

PremaLox C Cerium Oxide Powder is a 99.95% pure, white cerium oxide powder. It is ideally suited for precision polishing of ophthalmic lenses and optical glass.

Offered in 0.5 µm, 1 µm, 2 µm, and 10 µm, PremaLox C Cerium Oxide Powder offers high-efficiency polishing resulting in an excellent finish.

Applications: Ophthalmic lenses, optical glass.

PremaLox Ceria Powder

Our PremaLox Ceria Powders have been formulated using PremaLox C 99.95% pure cerium oxide with proprietary additives to ensure superior suspension and flow properties when the product is made into a slurry. The unique suspension treatment keeps the abrasive particles dispersed for longer periods of time, allowing for less agitation than most economy-grade cerium oxides.

Three formulations of PremaLox Ceria Powder are provided, and each is available in various abrasive sizes and quantities from 1lb containers to 500lb+ lots:

• PremaLox Ceria E – economy grade powder available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.
• PremaLox Ceria S – standard grade powder available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.
• PremaLox Ceria P – premium grade powder available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.

Applications: Ophthalmic lenses, optical glass.

PremaSol CerPreme-OP Cerium Oxide Slurry

Our CerPreme-OP Cerium Oxide is designed for the most precise polishing on critical components where general conventional abrasive slurries cannot compete. It is formulated from our proprietary blend of ingredients that allow for superior suspension and flow properties. The material is graded to a tight particle size distribution, with the majority of the particles being below 1 micron.

The soft settle suspension properties of our CerPreme Line of products produce a slurry that requires minimal agitation to remain in suspension. Simple aeration will provide sufficient energy to maintain an appropriate mixture.

Our CerPreme Product Line is compatible with soft and hard laps, pads, metals, and composites. Excellent results can be achieved when finishing on a pitch lap such as Gugolz or any number of synthetic pitch products.

Applications: Examples of materials polished with CerPreme slurry include all manner of glass, fused quartz, single crystal quartz, zinc selenide, single crystal silicon, and fluorides.

PremaSol CerPreme Cerium Oxide Slurries

Our PremaSol CerPreme Slurries have been formulated using PremaLox C 99.95% pure cerium oxide powder with proprietary additives and an aqueous base to ensure a slurry with superior suspension and flow properties. The unique suspension treatment keeps the abrasive particles dispersed for longer periods of time, allowing for less agitation than most economy-grade cerium oxide slurries.

Three grades of PremaSol Slurries are provided, and each is available in various abrasive sizes and quantities from 16oz (500ml) to 5 gallons (19 liters):

• PremaSol CerPreme E – economy grade aqueous slurry available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.
• PremaSol CerPreme S – standard grade aqueous slurry available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.
• PremaSol CerPreme P – premium grade aqueous slurry available as 10µm, 2µm, 1µm or 0.5µm average particle size.

Applications: Examples of materials polished with the three grades of PremaSol CerPreme E, S, or P slurry include all manner of glass, fused quartz, single crystal quartz, zinc selenide, single crystal silicon, and fluorides.

Overall Advantages of Cerium Oxide

Cerium Oxide, or Ceria, stands out as an exceptional abrasive material in the world of polishing and surface finishing, offering numerous benefits that cater to various industries. Its unique chemical and physical properties, including hardness, high refractive index, and light sensitivity, enable it to produce ultra-smooth, high-gloss surfaces with minimal subsurface damage. In addition to its superior surface finish capabilities, Cerium Oxide boasts fast polishing rates, significantly increasing productivity and reducing processing times. 

• Superior Surface Finish – Ceria’s unique properties enable it to produce ultra-smooth, high-gloss surfaces with minimal subsurface damage.
• Fast Polishing Rates – Its high material removal rate ensures quicker processing times and increased productivity.
• Versatility – Cerium Oxide is compatible with a wide range of materials, including glass, ceramics, metals, and semiconductors.
• Environmentally Friendly – As a natural, non-toxic material, Ceria is an eco-friendly alternative to hazardous chemical polishing agents.

Cerium Oxide vs. Other Conventional Abrasives

Compared to other abrasive materials, Cerium Oxide stands out due to its superior performance and versatility for specific scenarios. While many of Advanced Abrasives’ more conventional abrasive products shine in other ways, particular tasks can be best completed with Cerium Oxide as opposed to other alternatives.

• Diamond – While diamond is harder than Cerium Oxide, the latter provides a more cost-effective solution for polishing applications that do not require extreme hardness.
• Silicon Carbide – Cerium Oxide offers a smoother surface finish and faster polishing rates than Silicon Carbide, particularly for glass and ceramic materials.
• Aluminum Oxide – Cerium Oxide delivers higher quality surface finishes and improved polishing efficiency compared to Aluminum Oxide, especially in optical applications.

Will Cerium Oxide Abrasives Stain White/Light Colored Rocks?

Cerium oxide abrasives typically won’t stain white or light-colored rocks when used correctly. The fine grit of cerium oxide produces a polished surface without leaving behind residue. However, there are exceptions to consider. Soft, porous rocks may absorb small quantities of the abrasive, potentially causing discoloration. Additionally, if rocks have cracks or fissures, cerium oxide particles can become lodged in these openings, creating the appearance of staining.

To minimize any risk, we recommend testing the abrasive on a small, inconspicuous area first. This allows you to assess how your specific rock interacts with the cerium oxide. If you’re working with particularly delicate or valuable materials, consider using a protective film or barrier before applying the abrasive. By taking these precautions, you can harness the superior polishing power of cerium oxide while maintaining the natural beauty of your light-colored rocks.

How to Properly Use Cerium Oxide Abrasive

To achieve optimal results with cerium oxide abrasive, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the surface: Clean the rock thoroughly to remove any debris or contaminants.
2. Mix the abrasive: Combine cerium oxide powder with water to create a slurry. The ideal consistency is similar to milk – not too thick or thin. Start with a small quantity and adjust as needed.
3. Apply the slurry: Use a soft cloth or polishing pad to apply the mixture to the rock’s surface.
4. Polish: Work the abrasive in circular motions, applying even pressure. The grit of cerium oxide is fine enough to produce a high-quality finish without scratching.
5. Rinse and inspect: Periodically rinse the surface to remove excess slurry and check your progress.
6. Repeat if necessary: For stubborn areas or to achieve a higher shine, repeat the process with fresh slurry.
7. Final rinse: Thoroughly clean the rock to remove all traces of the abrasive.
8. Dry and buff: Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the surface and give it a final buff for maximum shine.