Phlogopite Mica is a hydrated silicate of potassium, aluminium and magnesium, which has a bronze gold colouration. LKAB Minerals extract Phlogopite Mica from their unique source in Finland and using extensive mineral processing knowledge produces a wide portfolio of grades to suit many applications.

Phlogopite Mica product uses

The main applications for Phlogopite Mica are polymers, coatings and construction.

Phlogopite Mica finds increasing use in thermoplastic compounds. The high aspect ratio platy particles provide an excellent balance of mechanical, thermal and dimensional properties when used as functional filler in plastics providing increased stiffness, high temperature performance, improved scratch resistance, acoustic damping properties, lower CLTE and improved dimensional stability. Polymers benefitting include PP, PE, TPO, polyamide and PBT. Duroplastic polymers like polyester, polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic gain enhanced performance and durability.

Elastomeric systems show improved reinforcement and excellent mould release properties.

Industrial coating sectors such as marine, anti corrosive and chemical resistant paints benefit from the inert nature of Phlogopite Mica and its ability to form a barrier to the ingress of aggressive chemicals into the resin system, improving service life and film integrity. Low water vapour permeability contributes to inhibition of the corrosion process on metal substrates.

Cementitious fire resistant coatings used for the protection of structural steel and concrete in commercial construction gain from the mica's high aspect ratio and thermal stability. This contributes to lower flammability, whilst reinforcing the char to prevent coating failure during a fire.

In foundry coatings, better surface finish, increased precission of the metal casting, and improved recyclability of the sand cores are key benefits.

Other applications include mould release coatings for production of rubber tyres, and heat resistant paints.

LKAB Minerals' Phlogopite Mica is used in the production of wall boards and cladding to improve dimensional stability and reduce shrinkage, lower weight, increase fire resistance and thermal insulation properties.

Other building applications include joint compounds and plasters.

Phlogopite Mica properties

Micas are characterized by a sheet of plate like structure which because of its excellent basal cleavage enables particles of high aspect ratio to be produced. These lamellar particles are flexible, tough, relatively soft, have a low co-efficient of thermal expansion, exceptional electrical properties and excellent chemical resistance.