MICA FLAKES / BLOCKS / SCRAPS / POWDER

Mica is a complex hydrous potassium-aluminum silicate mineral, common in igneous and metamorphic rocks, characteristically splitting into flexible sheets used in insulation and electrical equipment. Mica is invaluable in the electrical industry because of its unique combination of physical, chemical and thermal properties, low power loss factor, dielectric constant and dielectric strength. Dieletric strength is the ability to withstand high voltage without puncturing.

Mica Flakes is mica scrap ground into sizes ranging from 2 mesh to 30 mesh. This material is prepared mainly by the means of rotary hammer crushing machine in which the mica is literally beaten till such time that the required size is not achieved and the material passes out from graded sieves attached therein.

Mica Scrap is obtained from Mica Mines, it is screened over ½" sq. inches openings and have an average size between 12 mm – 50 mm with thickness between 0.15 mm – 5 mm. Mica Scrap should be cleaned, dried, hard, free from mineral and non-mineral impurities, such as: Quartz, felspar, garnet, tourmaline, stones, mud-stained or biotite mica, clay, send as well as other inclusions such as paper, wood-leaves, straw, iron contents etc.

Mica Powder in various forms is obtained by grinding/breaking mica scrap. Meticulous care and precaution has to be taken so that there is no deterioration of its natural brilliance, colour and properties

MICA FLAKES

MICA FLAKES have been preferably used in water-based and oil based oil-well drillings operations as an additive mud chemical to prevent loss of circulation and seepage. Mica is specially added to seal-off the lost circulation zones. The platy structure of mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealent that bridges the openings. The use of mica helps to seal porous formations and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension.

The technique adopted is to mix quantities of mica flakes and granular bentonite into special batches of mud which is pumped down the hole. The drill pipe is then withdrawn and the hole left undisturbed for a time being. Mica flakes tends to plate out on the walls at the lost zones and reduce the size of the holes through which the mud can pass. After a short interval, the plug is strong enough to permit circulation to resume without loss. Drilling then proceeds normally until a depth well below the lost circulation zone.

There are three grades of MICA FLAKES which are normally used for specific purposes:

(1) Coarse Mica Flakes: Suitably used for sealing openings. Apparent density = 0.17kg/ltr. Particle Size : Max 10% retained on 9.50mm B.S.Sieve. Material retained on Sieve 4.75mm + material passed through 1.70 mm = 30-40% Max.

(2) Medium Mica Flakes : Generally used to combate mild circulation in porous formations. Apparent density=0.18 kg/ltr. Particle size: Max 10 % retained on 3.35 mm B.S.Sieve. Material retained on 1.70 mm + material passed through Sieve 0.425 mm = 30-40% Max.

(3) Fine Mica Flakes : Suitable for use when a sealing agent is needed to be small enough to pass through a shaker screen without interfering with the operations. Apparent density=0.20 kg/ltr. Particle size : Nil retained on 0.850 mm B.S.Sieve. Matertial retained on Sieve 0.425 mm + material passed through sieve 0.15 mm = 30-40% Max.

MICRONISED MICA (Mica Powder)

Micronised Muscovite Mica is extensively used as a pigment extender in various paints and coatings. It is a tough, flexible and transparent mineral that can be ground to less than a micron sieve mesh,

It is an anti-friction, anti-fouling, anti-settling, anti-corrisive, anti-tarmish and anti-siege agent. The overlaping layers of mica platelets form a tough shield that improves paint integrity and durability.

Mica acts as a reinforcing pigment to reduce cracking, peeling and checking in the dry film and prevents shrinkage and sheering of the paint. When a paint starts to fall, mica holds it together sufficiently to keep it away from cissing, curtaining and prevents microscopic ruptures in the paint films.

Mica particles brighten the tone of the coloured pigments, at the same time, transmit and reflect light resulting in proven decorative effects and design. It increases the gloss of a paint more effectively than spherical or irregularly shaped filler particles of an equivalent size product. Mica also optimize the effect of other pigments by ensuring that the pigment particles are evently spaced in the dried paint film.

Mica is an inert material and thus easily resist actions of light, heat, temperature, electricity, water, acids, and alkalies , as well as, it reduces hydrolitic and electric action within paint film. Mica also imparts resistance to penetration of destructive sun-rays, moisture, atmospheric gases and decreases blistering and staining from the substracts. It prevents degradation of paint films by ultra-violet(UV) radiation, absorb UV rays and improve paint durability by retarding the oxidation process.

Mica is also compatible with all pigments and is easily wetted with oils, thinners, water or emulsions and other liquid vehicles. Because of its high specific gravity mica particles tend not to settle but stay uniformly dispersed in a liquid paints. When incorporated into paints, mica particles become evenly dispersed throughout the paint film and lying flat against each other they could easily take stresses and strains set up within the paint film as it ages. Mica fillers disperse well in both oil and water based paints and are suitable for a high speed mixing plants.
As mica has good suspension properties, its inclusion reduces running, sagging and settling of paints, as well as, improves weatherability and brushability. The addition of mica makes it possible to redisperse the settled pigment easily at any stage of production by simple stirring.

Mica is widely used in all types of paints and coatings. Some of the important uses are:- ALUMINIUM PAINTS, AUTOMOTIVE PAINTS, ANTI-CORROSIVE PAINTS, CEMENT PAINTS, EMULSION OR SYNTHETIC WATER PAINTS, FIRE-RESISTANT PAINTS, MARINE PAINTS, ROAD MARKING PAINTS, TEXTURED PAINTS, TRAFIC PAINTS, ETC.