Electroplated diamond grinding tools exhibit potential for recycling. In particular, the body can be reused. Electroplated grinding wheels are generally returned to the manufacturer, who will strip off the abrasive layer and re-plate the body.
Usually chemical and electrochemical stripping methods are used [BULJ99]. Chemical methods such as acid baths corrode the bonding [BULJ99, YU11].
Electrical voltage might induce reverse electroplating in addition [BULJ99]. Electrochemical approaches have lower recovery efficiency and bear the danger of corroding the tool body [YU11]. To fulfill stricter requirements on environmental friendly production, new chemical baths are cyanide-free [GEBH99]. Yu et al. [YU11] investigated a thermal shock procedure to induce stress between the abrasive layer and the tool body. The electrobonded tools are heated and then quickly cooled down in water, so that the abrasive layer peels off from the body. Other approaches aim at inventing metallic bonds that are easier to remove, such as bronze alloys with Sn, Cu, and Ti [BULJ99].
In 2010, the cost to recover diamond from metal bonds was roughly 0.250.40 USD/ct and the cost of new diamond grits has fallen dramatically in the last years [MCCL10b]. Recovery costs often offset the value of the reclaimed material [SAIT11].