Micafort

MicaFort, Muscovite and Phlogopite Micas are mineral fillers for a large variety of applications in the polymers and coatings industries.

Certifications: ISO 787-9

Barrier-forming ability

Chemical inertness

Elastic but tough particles

Electrical insulation properties

Excellent brightness

High dielectric strength

High thermal stabilit

Hydrophilic nature

Low silica content

Micafort - Muscovite and Phlogopite Micas Mineral

Product information

An increasing application for MicaFort is in thermoplastic blends. Micafort is also used in Industrial coatings such as marine, anti-corrosion, and chemical resistant paints benefit from the inert nature of MicaFort.

MicaFort in polymers

An increasing application for MicaFort is in thermoplastic blends. When you compare our MicaFort with other minerals the industry uses to replace fibreglass in polyamide, we can state that it:

  • Reduces warping efficiently
  • The surface finish improves an optimal balance of isotropic mechanical and dimensional properties
  • Provides excellent reinforcement on its own or in combination with fibreglass

Compared with other mineral fillers in polypropylene, compounds with MicaFort have a:

  • Superior modulus
  • Isotropic reduction of the linear thermal expansion coefficient (CLTE)
  • Increased heat-rejection temperature
  • Possibility to reduce the density

Other polymers that benefit from the unique properties of MicaFort Phlogopite and Muscovite include PE, TPO and PBT. Duroplast polymers such as polyester, polyurethane, epoxy and acrylic benefit from improved performance and service life. Elastomers are stronger and quickly release from the mould.

MicaFort in coatings

Industrial coatings such as marineanti-corrosion and chemical resistant paints benefit from the inert nature of MicaFort. As well as the ability to form a barrier to aggressive chemicals. Recent studies have shown that you can achieve the best results with MicaFort MM75 in two-component epoxy coatings. When incorporated into water-based paint, the laminated MicaFort reduces the cracking of the paint.

With the help of MicaFort you can:

  • Improve the lifetime of coatings
  • Reduce the water vapour permeability
  • Increase the strength of the paint layer

Advantages in roof, wood and tile paint are:

  • Improved resistance to cracking
  • Stable UV protection during prolonged exposure to the outside air

In cementitious fire-resistant coatings used for the protection of structural steel and concrete, MicaFort contributes to lower flammability while it forms a dense “skin” to prevent the paint from being destroyed during a fire.

Essential benefits of MicaFort for foundry coatings are:

  • Better surface finish
  • Increased accuracy of the metal casting
  • Improved recyclability of the sand cores

Other applications are coatings for the production of rubber tires and heat-resistant paint.

MicaFort in Seed Coatings

MicaFort can be used in seed coatings in the agricultural industry due to its low moisture content. This helps with the prevention of seed rot and early germination. When seeds do germinate, MicaFort also feeds the seedings due to the potassium content.

Additionally, MicaFort helps with seed distribution during planting because of its good flowability.

The two types of Mica we use in seed coatings are Phlogopite and Muscovite, each having a different effect. Phlogopite grades have a bronze colour, which is a very distinguishable colour. Muscovite grades have an excellent sheen and accept pigmentation/colouration very well. This makes Muscovite grades excellent for colour identification.

Standard grades

Dry groundMicronisedSilane coatedWet ground
PD900MM75PW80SPW80
MD500SCM-3WPW30SPW30
MD250SX300R302
MD150SX400R120
MD100R90
P66

MicaFort packaging

Our MicaFort product range is available in paper sacks or big bags. Also, some grades are available in bulk. We suggest that you contact your sales representative to see if this applies to the grade you want to purchase.

Mineral information

Phlogopite Mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium and magnesium whereas Muscovite Mica a hydrated silicate of potassium and aluminium is.

Physical properties of MicaFort

PropertyValue
Specific gravity2.8g/cm³
Refractive index1.58-1.60
Hardness2-3 mohs
pH (ISO 787-9)8-9

MicaFort origin

Muscovite is a constituent of acid igneous rocks like granite, pegmatite, or alaskite, some regionally metamorphosed rocks and clastic sedimentary rocks, and is a product of alteration. It is a fact that most commercial deposits are derived from pegmatites which contain 1-2% and rarely up to 10% muscovite. Moreover, Mica is found in many regions of the world as pegmatite rock and mica schist.

Phlogopite is associated with metamorphosed limestone and ultrabasic rocks, particularly hydrothermal veins formed through metasomatism of magnesium-rich rocks, as well as ultrabasic and carbonatite ring intrusions associated with ancient shield areas. LKAB Minerals’ Phlogopite Mica is sourced from a major deposit in Finland. Click here to view our EPD.

Toxicology

Phlogopite and Muscovite Mica are non-toxic natural minerals.

Sustainability

Sustainable Mica sourcing – we want to ensure integrity in your value chain. We source MicaFort from global strategic partners and our exclusive access to high-quality material from Finland.

We have a third-party verified Environmental Performance Declaration (EPD) for our Finnish mica. Click here to view our EPD.

Industry use

Our customers use industrial minerals to improve constructions, increase safety and reduce costs.

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most common questions and answers for this product.

LKAB Minerals Mica grades can have colour from very white (muscovite mica) to brownish (phlogopite mica).

Muscovite Mica is a potassium-aluminium based alumino-silicate while Phlogopite Mica is a potassium-magnesium based alumino-silicate. The aluminium content in muscovite is higher than in phlogopite. Alternatively, the magnesium content in phlogopite is much higher than in muscovite.