Industrial Uses of Mica
There are 37 different minerals in the group we call Mica due to their similar physical and chemical properties. Mica is useful in a wide range of industries, including mining, plastics, electronics, automotive, paint, and much more.
Properties of Mica
Mica is lightweight, relatively soft, and flexible when cut into sheets. It has a low density, as well as a high degree of whiteness.
Mica has plenty of rare mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties that make it desirable for use in many industries. It is a chemically inert mineral, meaning that it easily resists light, heat, oil, water, solvents, and a range of chemicals. It has excellent anti-friction and anti-sticking properties. It is non-combustible, moisture-proof, and has high tensile strength. It can even be used for noise control and vibration dampening.
Some industries that use mica
- Plastic & Rubber – In plastics, mica is useful as an extender, filler, and reinforcing agent. For rubber, it can be used as an inert filler as well as lubrication for rubber molds.
- Electronics – The most common use is as electrical insulation within electronic equipment. It’s also commonly used for thermal insulation, decorative panels for windows or lamps, field coil insulation, and gauge “glass.”
- Automotive – Since mica is great for insulation, it’s used in car batteries and engines. It’s used as insulation in electric motors, as well as a dielectric in capacitors.
- Paint & Construction – Mica’s most common use throughout industries is as a filler and extender in gypsum wallboard joint compound. It improves workability, makes for a smoother consistency, and prevents cracking. In paint, ground mica can be used as a pigment extender. It also prevents shrinkage in drying paint, brightens pigment tone, resists water penetration, and reduces chalking.
- Drilling – Because of its chemical and physical properties, ground mica is often used in drilling muds as an additive.
Plastic Service Center | Providing mica additives throughout North America
With all of the many uses that mica’s impressive physical and chemical properties allow, there’s a good chance it can improve your work or at least make it more efficient. If you need a high-quality mica additive for your work, Plastic Service Center has you covered. We carry millions of pounds of inventory at any given time to ensure that we can always get our customers what they need. Plus, we have built a sophisticated shipping network based around multiple warehouses placed strategically throughout the U.S. to ensure that our products get to you quickly. We can ship anywhere in North America, whether you’re in the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico. If you would like to know more about our mica additives, give us a call and ask one of our knowledgeable sales team staff members!
Get a quote on mica additives or learn more about them today by calling (586) 371-7886 or sending an online contact form!