Rock Mechanical Properties and Resource Potential of Dimensional Stone and Terrazzo in Tigray, Ethiopia - A Geological and Geomechanical Assessment
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2024-10-09 |
| Journal | Rock mechanics letters. |
| Authors | Zelealem Haftu, N. Rao Cheepurupalli, Yewuhalashet Fissha, Sri Chandrahas N, Blessing Olamide Taiwo |
| Institutions | G Pulla Reddy Dental College & Hospital, Akita University |
| Citations | 3 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: MPCVD Diamond for Dimension Stone Processing
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: MPCVD Diamond for Dimension Stone ProcessingâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research confirms the high quality and vast resource potential of granite and marble dimension stones in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, validating the need for advanced, durable processing technologies. 6CCVD specializes in providing the foundational MPCVD diamond materials essential for this high-wear industry.
- Resource Validation: The study confirms granite (up to 135 kg/cm2 Compressive Strength) and marble deposits meet international standards (ASTM, BS) for structural and decorative applications.
- Technology Requirement: Efficient extraction and processing rely heavily on advanced abrasive technologies, specifically diamond wire saws and diamond belt saws (Page 1, Section 1).
- Material Challenge: The high hardness of granite (due to quartz content) and the required high luster for marble necessitate tooling with extreme wear resistance and precision.
- 6CCVD Core Value: 6CCVD supplies high-performance Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) and Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) materials, which are the critical components for manufacturing the cutting, drilling, and polishing tools used in the dimension stone industry.
- Customization for Tooling: We offer custom, large-area PCD plates (up to 125mm) and specialized metalization services to ensure optimal integration and thermal stability in industrial cutting segments.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following data, extracted from the physico-mechanical testing (Table 1), highlights the extreme material properties that necessitate high-performance diamond tooling for processing.
| Parameter | Value Range | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength (Granite) | 105 - 135 | kg/cm2 | High strength requires robust diamond tooling for cutting. |
| Compressive Strength (Marble) | 81 - 83 | kg/cm2 | Lower strength, but still requires diamond for efficient shaping. |
| Porosity (Granite) | 0.42 - 1.12 | % | Low porosity indicates high density and hardness. |
| Abrasion Resistance (Granite) | 0.11 - 0.31 | Mm | Extremely high resistance, demanding PCD for long tool life in sawing and polishing. |
| Abrasion Resistance (Marble) | 1.51 - 1.71 | Mm | Lower than granite, but still requires diamond for high-speed processing. |
| Dry Density (Granite) | 2.65 - 2.739 | g/cmÂł | High density contributes to the stoneâs durability and resistance to cutting. |
| Flexural Strength (Granite) | 2.697 - 2.730 | kg/cm2 | Indicates material resilience under load during processing. |
| Hardness (Granite) | Mohs Scale (High) | N/A | High hardness due to quartz content, requiring diamond (Mohs 10) for effective cutting. |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe study employed rigorous geomechanical testing standards to qualify the dimension stone resources. These methodologies define the performance requirements for the diamond tooling used in the subsequent processing stages (Fig. 10).
- Sample Acquisition: A total of 30 representative rock samples (15 granite, 15 marble) were collected from quarry sites, ensuring coverage of lithological variations.
- Petrographic Analysis: Thin section interpretations were used to determine mineralogy (e.g., quartz, calcite, feldspars), grain size, texture, and the presence of impurities (accessory minerals limit quality).
- Physico-Mechanical Testing: Samples were subjected to standardized tests to assess suitability for commercial use:
- Density and Porosity: Measured using dried (Wo) and saturated (W2) weights (P=W2-W/W2-W1 x 100).
- Compressive Strength: Tested according to ASTM C 170 standards.
- Flexural Strength: Tested using a simple beam with quarter-point loading, following ASTM C 880 standards.
- Abrasion Resistance: Measured as percentage of weight loss after 352 revolutions, critical for determining suitability for flooring and curbs.
- Luster and Hardness Assessment: Luster (whitish/cloudy for marble, dull/grainy for granite) and Hardness (relative to Mohs scale) were assessed to predict polishing requirements and processing difficulty.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThe efficient and sustainable exploitation of these high-quality dimension stones, as outlined in the research, is directly dependent on the performance of diamond tooling. 6CCVD provides the highest quality MPCVD diamond materials necessary to manufacture superior cutting, drilling, and polishing segments.
| Application Requirement (Dimension Stone Processing) | 6CCVD Applicable Materials & Capabilities | Technical Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Quarrying & Cutting (Diamond Wire Saws, Belt Saws) | Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Plates | MPCVD PCD offers exceptional thermal stability and fracture toughness, maximizing the lifespan and cutting speed of segments used against hard, abrasive granite (CS up to 135 kg/cm2). |
| Large-Format Tooling Manufacturing | Custom Dimensions up to 125mm (PCD) | We supply large-area PCD wafers, allowing tool manufacturers to create optimized, high-density diamond segments for inch-size saw blades and large-scale quarrying equipment. |
| Ultra-Precision Finishing & Polishing (Achieving Ra < 1nm) | Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) | SCD is ideal for manufacturing ultra-hard, defect-free polishing tools required to achieve the high luster (Ra < 1nm capability) demanded by the global market for marble and granite slabs (Section 4.1.9). |
| Tool Integration and Brazing | Custom Metalization Services (Au, Pt, Ti, W, Cu) | 6CCVD provides in-house metalization on diamond surfaces, ensuring superior wetting and bonding strength when integrating PCD/SCD segments into metal matrices for robust, high-stress tooling. |
| Advanced Material Analysis (Corrosion/Solubility Testing) | Heavy Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) Films | BDD electrodes offer unparalleled stability and sensitivity for electrochemical analysis, useful for extending research into the long-term durability and corrosion resistance of dimension stones exposed to environmental factors. |
| Global Supply Chain | Global Shipping (DDU default, DDP available) | Ensure reliable, timely delivery of critical diamond materials to tooling manufacturers worldwide, supporting the growth of the Ethiopian export market. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering Supportâ6CCVDâs in-house team of PhD material scientists specializes in optimizing diamond material selection for high-wear applications. We provide expert consultation on choosing the correct PCD grade, grain size, and metalization scheme to maximize efficiency and tool life in diamond wire sawing and abrasive polishing projects targeting materials with high quartz content, such as the Negash and Kisadgaba granites identified in this research.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
Dimension stone and terrazzo are quarried rocks following specific dimensions, generally huge in tonnage than ore minerals. Dimension stone and Terrazo resource development opportunities in the Tigray Region, Ethiopia, are studied regarding their potential to make dimension and terrazzo, geology and deposit nature, physio-mechanical properties, rock petrography, and opportunity for exploitation. The granite and marble are quarried as dimension stones and they meet the quality parameters of the rocks, which include, being durable, easy to quarry, work, cut, and polish. It was conducted through the integration of new geological descriptions, interpretation of thin sections, and physico-mechanical tests. Both surface and quarry rock samples were used for the study. 15 from granite and 15 from marble deposits in total 30 samples were used for petrographic analysis and physico-mechanical tests. Based on petrographic and physicomechanical results, granite is harder than marble this may be due to silicates being less dissolved than carbonates. The accessory minerals in both granite and marble deposits limit the quality of the deposits as being impurities. The integrated results indicate that the marble and granite deposits in the area are good in quality and quantity. In addition, they are geologically widespread, technologically do not need sophisticated technology and economically they do not need huge investment and have less effect upon the environment. Diamond wire saws and diamond belt saws separated the dimension stone, which are oblate to curved in shape with 1m width. In the area, investment has been at a relatively low stage more investment will significantly increase production of the dimension stone for local usage, export, and economic growth of the region.