The mica group of sheet
silicate minerals include closely related materials having perfect
basal cleavage. Mica occurs in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
forms. It has extraordinary physical, thermal and electrical
features, which makes it a sought after product. Our organization,
Ruby Mica has more than three decades of experience of this domain
and are manufacturing, exporting and supplying superior quality mica
based electro-thermal insulating materials.
Physical Properties
Mica
group represents 37 phyllosilicate minerals that have a layered
texture. It can be easily
split into thin films along its cleavage. Crystalline
structure of mica forms layers can be split into sheet causing
foliation in rocks. These sheets are flexible,
insulating, refractive, chemically inert and dielectric. Mica is not
affected by moisture,
light
and extreme temperatures.
Electrical
Properties
As
an insulator and dielectric it posses superior electrical
properties. It has a distinct amalgamation of uniform
dielectric-constant, high electrical-resistivity, dielectric-strength
and low temperature-coefficient. Muscovite mica is widely used by the
electrical industry in capacitors of high frequency and radio
frequency devices. Mica is preferred as it maintains its dielectric
properties, when exposed to an oxidizing action of electrical
discharges. It can be split in to thin films, while maintaining its
electrical properties.
Thermal
Properties
Mica
is used in applications, in which combination of electrical
properties and high-heat stability is required. Even at higher
temperature (9000C),
phlogopite mica remains stable. It is preferred due its thermal
properties such as incombustible and fires resistance and are not
affected by temperatures of 600°C to 900°C (1112°F to 1652°F)
which varies for the different varieties. Thermally stable at 500°C,
is resistant to corona discharge and has low heat-conductivity.
Mechanical
Properties
Mica
is mechanically stable in micrometer(thin sheets), as it is not
affected by radiation and therefore used in windows of radiation
detectors. Due to its unique mechanical properties it can be
punched,
cut, stamped and machined. As it can withstand high mechanical
pressure and strength it is used as a reinforcing material.
Chemical
Properties
Mica
is complex hydrous silicate of aluminium that contains magnesium,
potassium, sodium fluorine, lithium, and iron and also several other
elements. It's stable and completely inert to the action of water,
acids (except concentrated sulphuric and hydro-fluoric) alkalis,
oils, conventional solvents and is not affected by any atmospheric
changes.