FAQ ON SPLITTING MICA

Why is it called Splitting Mica?

Mica splitting involves the splitting of a mica block into very thin layers of mica. Hence the term “mica splitting” or “splitting mica”.

What is the purpose of splitting mica?

Splitting Mica has excellent dielectric strength along with superior mechanical properties.

Where is splitting mica used?

Due to its excellent dielectric strength, splitting mica is used as insulation in electrical products such as motors, generators, and transformers.

How thick is a splitting mica layer?

The thickness of a single layer of splitting mica typically does not exceed 0.03mm (1.2 mils or 0.0012 inch).

Is each mica layer used separately?

No. Typically up to 10 individual split mica layers are pressed together to form a composite multi-layer mica sheet. This composite multi-layer sheet provides a much higher dielectric strength as compared to a single mica layer of the same combined thickness.

How is the mica split into thin layers?

Mica is split into layers of desired thickness with the manual use of sharp knives.

What is the dielectric strength of splitting mica?

The dielectric strength of mica is 2000 volts per millimeter. This means that a single mica sheet of 1 millimeter thickness can withstand a maximum voltage difference of 2000 volts across the thickness of the sheet before it suffers an electrical breakdown and starts conducting electricity.

However, when thin sheets of split mica are pressed together, then they offer a much higher dielectric strength than a single sheet of mica for the same combined thickness. Hatim Dielectrics supplies splitting mica sheets up to a dielectric strength of 7 kv/mm or 7000 volts per mm (of combined thickness).

What is cleavage in minerals?

Certain minerals have points of weaknesses where, if hit sharply, the mineral would split into planes rather than fragment into small pieces. This property is called cleavage.

What is basal cleavage in splitting mica?

Splitting Mica has a cleavage which allows it to be split into thin layers which are parallel to the base. Hence splitting mica is known to have basal cleavage.