swarf

[ swawrf ]

noun

1. an accumulation of fine particles of metal or abrasive cut or ground from work by a machine tool or grinder.

swarf

/ swɑːf; swɔːf /

noun

1. material removed by cutting or grinding tools in the machining of metals, stone, etc
2. radioactive metal waste from a nuclear power station
3. small fragments of disintegrating spacecraft, orbiting the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarf¹

1560–70; < Old Norse svarf, akin to sverfa to file, or continuing Old English geswearf, gesweorf

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarf¹

C16: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse svarf metallic dust

Example Sentences

A team of researchers from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering have found that the surface of swarf, a byproduct of the metal machining industry, is textured with tiny steps and grooves on a nanoscale level.

From Science Daily

Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, who led the research team, said: "Industries in the UK alone generate millions of tons of metal waste annually. By using a scanning electron microscope, we were able to inspect the seemingly smooth surfaces of the stainless steel, titanium, or nickel alloy swarf. To our astonishment, we discovered that the surfaces had grooves and ridges that were only tens of nanometres wide. We realized that this nanotextured surface could present a unique opportunity for the fabrication of electrocatalysts."

From Science Daily

The researchers used magnetron sputtering to create a platinum atom "rain" on the swarf's surface.

From Science Daily

Professor Andrei Khlobystov, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, said: "The electrocatalysts made from swarf have the potential to greatly impact the economy. Our unique technology developed at Nottingham, which involves atom-by-atom growth of platinum particles on nanotextured surfaces, has solved two major challenges. Firstly, it enables the production of green hydrogen using the least amount of precious metal possible, and secondly, it upcycles metal waste from the aerospace industry, all in a single process."

From Science Daily

Prolific young designer Adam Nathanial Furman has designed this collection of small geometric handles for fledgling British firm Swarf, which specialises in handcrafted hardware for the home.

From The Guardian