Methods for producing granular molding materials for abrasive articles

Resin-bonded abrasive articles, such as grinding wheels, typically are produced by mixing discrete abrasive particles with a liquid binder material and a powder resin and then pressing the mixture together under appropriate thermal conditions. The mixture can include other constituents such as, for example, fillers, curing agents, wetting agents and various metal powders. Granular molding materials for fabricating abrasive articles, such as, for example, grinding wheels, are produced by mixing heated abrasive grains with a resin blend including two phenol-novolac resins. Preferably, the resin blend is added to the abrasive grains in the mixer apparatus of the invention, which can be a bowl type mixer. The mixer can be preheated by directing a heated gas, such as air, across the mixer. The granular molding material can also include a curing agent, fillers and other materials generally employed in fabricating abrasive articles.