MICA FLAKES AND POWDER
NEMA Compliant Mica Commutators
PRODUCTS > MICA FLAKES AND POWDER
WHAT ARE MICA FLAKES AND POWDER?
Mica, a naturally occurring mineral known for its reflective properties, is ground into flakes and powder for a variety of uses. Historically prized for its aesthetic and insulating qualities, mica flakes, derived from mica scrap, enhance composite materials with a sparkling appearance. A crushing and sieving process is used to make mica flakes.
Mica powder, finely milled and available in various mesh sizes, adds shimmer to cosmetics. Celebrated for their heat resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical inertness, mica products tap into a legacy of versatility, blending nature’s beauty with practical applications across industries.
Axim’s mica flakes can be mixed into composite materials like cement or asphalt to give it a sparkling look. Axim’s mica powder are also used in many cosmetic products for this same purpose.
APPLICATIONS
Composite Materials
Enhances the appearance of cement, asphalt, and resin-based products with a sparkling effect.
Cosmetics
Imparts a shimmery glow in products like eyeshadows, nail polish, and body glitter.
Paints & Coatings
Adds luster and depth to automotive, architectural, and decorative paints.
Crafts &
Hobby Projects
Used in card making, scrapbooking, and other craft projects for a glittering finish.
Plastics
Incorporated into plastics for automotive components, appliances, and consumer electronics, adding sparkle and improving aesthetics.
Rubber Products
Mixed into rubber to create visually appealing designs in rubber goods and toys.
PROPERTIES & COMPOSITION
MICA FLAKES:
SIZE
2 - 30 mesh through crushing and sieving.
Consistent particle size distribution.
SOURCE
Range: 0.20mm - 2.0mm
LUSTER
Provides a brilliant yet subtle sparkling effect.
DISPERSABILITY
Easily dispersible in composite materials like cement and asphalt.
MICA POWDER:
SIZE
Finely milled mica available in various precise mesh sizes.
SAFETY
Chemically inert and non-toxic for safe usage.
SHIMMER
Exhibits a luxurious shimmering appearance.
USAGE
Suitable for cosmetics and personal care products.
Both mica flakes and powder possess the inherent properties of mica such as heat resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical inertness enabling their use for many applications.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Parameter
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Specification
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|---|---|
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Form
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Flakes & Powder
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Size Range (Flakes)
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2 to 30 mesh
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Size Range (Powder)
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Wide range of mesh sizes available
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Specific Gravity
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2.82
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Index of Refraction
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1.58
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Hardness (Moh’s Scale)
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2.5
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pH Value
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7.7 (BS 3483); 5.2 for distilled water
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Oil Absorption
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60-90 g/100g Mica (BS 3483)
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Water Solubility
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Not more than 0.5% (BS 1765)
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Effect by Common Acids
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Slight
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Chemical Composition
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Silica (SiO2) - 45.70%, Alumina (Al2 O3) - 33.10%, Potassium Oxide (K2O) - 9.87%, Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) - 2.48%, Sodium Oxide (Na2O) - 0.62%, Titanium Oxide (TiO2) - Trace, Calcium Oxide (CaO) - 0.21% Magnesia (MgO) - 0.38% Moisture (@ 100 °C) - 0.25% Loss on Ignition (H2O) - 2.74%
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Loss on Ignition (H2O)
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2.74%
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Softening Point
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2800°F
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Moisture (@ 100 °C)
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0.25%
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TYPES OF MICA FLAKES AND POWDER
MICA FLAKE CLASSIFICATION:
- Coarse Flakes: Sized at 3.36 mm (6 Mesh), these are ideal for oil well drilling, pearlescent pigments, and creating artificial snow due to their significant size and sparkling effect.
- Medium Coarse Flakes: With a size of 1.68 mm (10 Mesh), they’re used in Christmas ornaments, display materials, and as flocking material for their glittering effects.
- Fine Coarse Flakes: Measuring 1.0 mm (16 Mesh), these flakes serve in concrete block fillers, refractory bricks, gypsum boards, and asphalt roofing for thermal insulation and weather-proofing.
- Coarse Fine Powder: At 0.55 mm (30 Mesh), this powder is employed in explosives, automotive components for soundproofing, and as fillers or absorbents due to its fine granularity.
MICA POWDER CLASSIFICATION:
- Medium Fine Powder: Sized at 0.25 mm (60 Mesh), it’s utilized in welding electrodes, cables, and foundry works to improve dielectric properties and physical strength.
- Fine Powder: At 0.15 mm (100 Mesh), suited for texture paints, acoustical plasters, and ceiling tiles, enhancing physical properties, durability, and water resistance.
- Superfine Powder: The finest at 0.04 mm (325 Mesh), it’s used in paints, plastics, rubber products, paper, and cosmetics, providing thermal and dielectric property improvements, flexibility, and adhesion.
BENEFITS OF MICA FLAKES AND POWDER
- Versatile Aesthetic Appeal: Mica flakes give composite materials like cement and asphalt a unique, sparkling look, while mica powder adds a luxurious shimmer to cosmetics, elevating product aesthetics.
- Exceptional Physical Properties: Heat resistance, low thermal conductivity, and electrical insulation make these materials suitable for a wide array of industrial and aesthetic applications.
- Chemical Stability: Inert and stable across various chemicals, mica flakes and powder are safe for use in diverse environments, including sensitive cosmetic formulations.
- Ease of Use: Both mica flakes and powder are easy to integrate into various product formulations, offering consistent dispersion and blendability.
- Eco-friendly Options: As natural minerals, mica products offer an environmentally friendly choice for applications demanding sustainability alongside aesthetic and functional qualities.
HOW MICA FLAKES AND POWDER ARE MADE
- Mica Flakes: The mica scrap is first cleaned and dried. It’s then ground into smaller pieces and put through a sieving process, resulting in flakes sized from 2 to 30 mesh. This precise sizing allows for consistent particle distribution.
- Mica Powder: For mica powder, the process goes a step further. After achieving the initial flake stage, the material is milled into a fine powder. The grinding ensures a smooth, uniform powder in various mesh sizes suitable for cosmetic applications and more.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH AXIM MICA
Ready to move forward? Our engineering team collaborates with clients to develop optimal solutions for their specific applications, ensuring every component meets exact specifications and performance requirements.
FAQs
Mica flakes are commonly used to add a sparkling effect to composite materials like cement or asphalt and are also integrated into paint formulations and crafts for their decorative appeal.
Yes, it’s safe to use mica flakes. They are chemically inactive and non-toxic, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including decorative purposes in the construction and arts & crafts sectors.
Mica powder is finely milled mica that offers a shimmering effect, commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products for its smooth, lustrous finish. Mica flakes, on the other hand, are coarser, providing a distinct sparkling texture for decorative enhancements in various materials.