Muscovite and Phlogopite Mica: The Elmelin Application
There are over 30 different types of mica in the mica group of minerals. However, there are a few that have a very common rate of occurrence – making up a high percentage of minerals in the Earth’s rocks. Muscovite and phlogopite mica are among the most commonly occurring micas.
The foundry and steel industries are particularly reliant on two forms of mica products – muscovite (white) and phlogopite (green).
Muscovite mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium and aluminium, whilst phlogopite mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium and magnesium – both containing different properties suitable for various industrial uses.
Elmelin’s phlogopite and muscovite mica products are available in flexible or rigid grades, depending on their required use.
Mica sheet is easy to transport and store and we here at Elmelin fabricate specialist parts from rigid mica sheet for specialist electrical insulation and other manufacturing requirements.
Muscovite and phlogopite mica sheets are built to last, helping ensure the longevity of numerous products while meeting rigorous safety requirements in transport and military sectors and in continuous process industries.
How Are Phlogopite And Muscovite Mica Sheets Effective And Adaptable?
Mica possesses unique mineral qualities and chemical properties. Due to its crystalline structure, mica can form layers that can be split or delaminated into thin sheets.
The lamellar particles of mica also generate outstanding electrical properties and chemical resistance – making it resistant to most acidic and alkaline substances or common solvents such as water and oil. This versatile material is also lightweight, dielectric, hydrophilic, elastic and insulating.
These combined properties make mica highly flexible and durable. It is an excellent fire-proofing material as a safe substitute for asbestos and other hazardous materials.
When combined with microporous technology and other materials it offers a wide range of solutions and opportunities in manufacturing support and specialised product development including automotive, aerospace and power storage.
Flexible Muscovite And Phlogopite Mica Sheets
The two most commonly used micas are included in the Elmelin product range – phlogopite (green) or muscovite (white) mica.
These micas come in sheet or roll form and are available in many different variations. The characteristics of these two forms of minerals provide the right properties for the industries to work with through a broad range of application methods.
Our phlogopite and muscovite micas are available in flexible or rigid grades, depending on their required use. Phlogopite mica is generally softer than muscovite mica.
Both muscovite and phlogopite mica have excellent insulation properties, however, phlogopite has poorer electrical and chemical resistance. On the other hand, its flexibility means it is adaptable to a broader range of insulation applications.
Rigid muscovite mica sheets are often used as part of everyday electrical consumer items such as hairdryers, toasters and radiators. When it comes to more intense, specialised industrial applications – phlogopite mica sheets are found in the foundry and steel industry.
Muscovite mica sheets, MFSSM – in a full or semi-flexible form – combine thermal insulation qualities with voltage insulation. Its dielectric applications include its use in capacitors and several other components. Its uses that are more typical of everyday settings include microwave ovens.
Phlogopite mica sheet grades, MFSSP, can be found in the transportation sector. In the aerospace industry, mica is used in heat shields and in the interiors and exteriors of aircraft – providing heat-resistant protection. In automotive use, mica provides thermal runway and flame-retardant barriers.
As well as its great adaptability, phlogopite mica also provides commutator insulation in generators and motors.
In rigid form, muscovite and phlogopite sheets are used in constructing furnaces as they are resistant to high temperatures while retaining the ability and cost-effectiveness.
Find Out More
Get in touch to find our how you could benefit from our muscovite and phlogopite based mica products. Please call us on +44 20 8520 2248, e-mail sales@elmelin.com or complete our online enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.