Three composite grinding wheel series were prepared using three different ceramic binders . Two of the three series behaved in typical ceramic — type manner in their consolidation behaviour , while the third deviated strongly . The measured mechanical properties behaved in a similar manner . The main reason was found tobe the way the binder material interacts with the SiC — particles . The results are discussed in terms of the rol played by the binder in shaping the final mechanical properties of the composites .