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
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 marine, anti-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 ground
Micronised
Silane coated
Wet ground
PD900
MM75
PW80S
PW80
MD500
SCM-3W
PW30S
PW30
MD250
SX300
R302
MD150
SX400
R120
MD100
R90
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
Property
Value
Specific gravity
2.8g/cm³
Refractive index
1.58-1.60
Hardness
2-3 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.
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.
