Mica Powder Uses: What You Should Know

Summary:Many people aren’t sure what mica is and how to use it. This article to help you get started using mica powder, and to provide solution for using mica powder in epoxy resin, candles, pigment and much more.

What Is Mica Powder

Mica Powder is a natural substance, it is a stone which has sparkly flecks throughout it. When you grind Mica into a powder it results in a mica powder which is sparkly and looks a bit like a very fine glitter.

What Is Mica Powder Used For

Mica powder is a user-friendly substance with a variety of practical uses.

1. How To Use Mica Powder In Resin

Before you start, make sure the mica powder is completely dry. If any moisture is present in the mica, the resin won’t cure properly. Ultimately, most epoxy kits come with two ingredients: Resin and a hardener.

Mix the resin and hardener according to the directions on the packaging. Usually, you’ll want to mix these ingredients for 5-7 minutes. Then, it’s time to add your mica color. There are two ways to add mica to resin:

Stir-In Method:

You can mix mica into the resin by hand with a mixing stick or using a paint-mixing drill-bit (especially useful for larger projects). Mix thoroughly. You’ll want to evenly distribute the mica powder throughout the resin.

Pre-Mix Method:

It can be helpful to pre-mix the mica with a smaller amount of resin, especially for smaller-volume projects. To do this, apply a small amount of resin onto a wax surface or into a small cup. Mix the mica powder into the solution, until it is completely dissolved. Then add this to your main epoxy solution.

2. Using Mica Powder to Make Soap

Much of the mica we use in soap making is even more complex than just a powdered mineral powder. Much of the mica powders we use are coated with either iron oxides or titanium dioxide, which gives them an even more multi-layered, complex color. That’s why when you look at the list of ingredients, it will often list several components.

3. Mica Powder Uses For Candles

Mica powder is ideal for wax melts and wickless candles, but we don’t recommend using it in candles that have a wick. Mica is a very fine powder, but the particles do not completely dissolve in wax. Therefore, the mica can potentially clog your wick and negatively affect how your candle burns.

Of course, you can experiment with adding mica to your candles. However, a very small amount should be used. For example, some candle makers like to dust a small amount of mica on the top of their candles for a slight shimmering effect. In any case, testing is always the key when it comes to making great candles.

4. Mica Powder For Paint

Mica powder is so versatile you can simply add it to your acrylic paint, oil paint or any other paint medium you are using and this will then give your painting depth.

Mica Powder VS Pigment Powder

The main difference between pigment powder and mica powder is their shine. Mica Powder is shimmery, giving a very glossy effect, while normal color pigment has a matte appearance. Pigment powders consist of pigments known to give color to paint, that are primarily used for adding color to many products. Innately, they do not possess any lustrous properties.

Market Demand For Mica Powder Affects Its Price

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Super Fine Mica Powder market size is estimated to be worth USD million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD million by 2028 with a CAGR of % during the forecast period 2022-2028. Fully considering the economic change by this health crisis, Muscovite Powder accounting for % of the Super Fine Mica Powder global market in 2021, is projected to value USD million by 2028, growing at a revised % CAGR from 2022 to 2028. While Rubber and Plastic segment is altered to an % CAGR throughout this forecast period.

North America Super Fine Mica Powder market is estimated at USD million in 2021, while Europe is forecast to reach USD million by 2028. The proportion of the North America is % in 2021, while Europe percentage is %, and it is predicted that Europe share will reach % in 2028, trailing a CAGR of % through the analysis period 2022-2028. As for the Asia, the notable markets are Japan and South Korea, CAGR is % and % respectively for the next 6-year period.

The Production Process Of Mica Powder

Different uses of mica powder lead to different processes and different equipment. Mica powder is prepared from grinding and breaking of mica scrap namely by wet grinding and dry grinding process. The production is economically carried out in the pulverisers transforming into mica powders of different particle sizes. Meticulous care and precaution is taken to avoid deterioration of its natural brilliance, colour and properties.

• Dry ground mica powder  is made by crushing, grinding, and classifying scrap and flake mica.

• Wet mica powder is processed through multiple processes with water as the medium.

Mica is a hard-to-grind mineral (Bond work index 148). It remains platy particles even after milling to an ultra-fine powder. When designing the wet grinding process and selecting mica wet grinders, attention should be paid to the problem of scratches on the mica surface. The poor luster of mica powder will reduce its competitiveness.

Mica Powder Grinding Mill

In order to create these products, mica powder must be ground into a fine powder using a grinding mill.

A mica powder grinding mill is a type of machine that is used to break down mica powder into smaller pieces. The mica powder is fed into the mill through a feeder, and then the material is ground by a rotating grinding wheel made of steel or ceramic. The grinding wheel is typically lined with abrasive materials that help to break down the mica powder into a fine powder.

There are several types of mica powder grinding mills, including ball mills, and roller mills. Each of these machines uses a different method to grind the mica powder, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Trapezium mills are the most common type of mica powder grinding mill. They are typically used to grind the raw material into a fine powder. These mills are relatively large and can handle large amounts of material at once. 

Roller mills are another type of mica powder grinding mill. These mills  use long steel rollers to crush the mica powder instead of steel balls. Roller mills are typically more efficient than ball mills and are capable of grinding mica powder into a fine powder.

In conclusion, a mica powder grinding mill is a type of machine that is used to break down mica powder into smaller pieces. There are several types of mica powder grinding mills, including trapezium mills and roller mills. Each of these machines uses a different method to grind the mica powder, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusion

For those who want to engage in mica grinding, knowing the basic knowledge of mica grinding can avoid potential risks. The large demand and wide application of mica powder have stimulated the prosperity of many industries and fields. The production of high-quality mica powder is inseparable from professional equipment.

As the leading enterprise in global crushing & grinding industries, SBM always sticks to develop both technology and quality and to pursue innovation and excellence. The product has the European CE Certification and global quality certification ISO 14001:2015, etc..

For any questions about mica powder, please ask our professional engineers. We are looking forward to your inquiry.

Read More About Mica Powder