The value of mica sheets is primarily attributed to their exceptional insulating properties and remarkable heat resistance, making them highly sought after in various industries such as electrical engineering and construction.[1]

Mica sheets possess exceptional thermal resistance, enabling them to withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant structural changes or losing their insulating properties. In the construction industry, mica sheets are utilized as insulation materials in fire-resistant panels, furnace linings, and thermal barriers. They provide effective thermal insulation and help prevent the spread of heat, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of various structures.  

Figure 2. Fire Resistant Mica Sheet[3]

EDM for Mica Sheet in Building Fire Protection

Requirements Analysis
Buildings need effective fire protection materials to prevent the spread of fire and protect structural integrity.
Conceptual Design
Consider the use of mica sheets as a fire barrier and insulation layer to improve the fire resistance of building components. They were chosen for their high temperature resistance (up to 1000°C), fire resistance and electrical insulation properties.
Feasibility study
Technical feasibility: mica flakes are technically feasible fireproofing materials because of their good heat resistance and insulating properties, and their ability to maintain structural stability in high temperature environments.
Economic feasibility: mica flakes are economically feasible as they are moderately priced and can be mass-produced.
Legal and environmental feasibility: mica flakes do not contain hazardous substances and comply with environmental and safety regulations for building materials.

Mica sheet features a unique crystalline structure that imparts it with excellent electrical insulation capabilities. This property allows mica sheets to effectively prevent the flow of electric current, using as electrical insulation materials in a wide range of devices and equipment. They are employed as insulators in high-voltage power cables, transformers, electric motors, and generators, where they help to ensure the safe and efficient transmission of electricity. Further more, mica's ability to resist the breakdown of electrical current under high voltage conditions makes it an ideal choice for insulation in such critical applications.

Figure 1. Semi-Flexible Mica Sheets Used Where High-Performance Thermal and Voltage Insulation are Required[2]

EDM for Mica Sheet in Battery Thermal Runaway Protection

Requirements Analysis
Need to prevent thermal runaway of batteries to ensure battery safety and stability. Users need an efficient, safe and reliable battery thermal management system.
Conceptual Design
Consider using mica sheet as a heat shielding material to stop heat propagation. Mica sheets are chosen because of its excellent heat resistance and electrical insulation.
Feasibility study
Technical feasibility: Mica flakes can withstand high temperatures (up to 1000°C) and have good electrical insulation properties, making it a technically feasible choice.
Economic feasibility: the cost of mica flakes is relatively low and the production process is mature.
Legal and environmental feasibility: mica flakes are environmentally friendly and harmless and comply with relevant regulations.

EDM for Mica Sheet in Hair Dryer Heating Pads

Requirements analysis
Need for efficient and safe heating elements. Hair dryer also needs to heat up quickly and maintain a stable temperature while keeping the user safe.
Conceptual Design
Use mica flakes as a substrate for the heating element to provide even heat distribution. Mica sheets were chosen for their high temperature resistance and electrical insulation properties.
Feasibility Study
Technical feasibility: Mica flakes are suitable for use as a heating element substrate due to their high temperature resistance and resistance to deformation.
Economic feasibility: the cost of mica flakes is moderate and easy to process.
Legal and environmental feasibility: it meets the safety standards of household appliances and environmental protection requirements.

Figure 3,4. Mica Sheet Market Status and Expectations [4]

Based on incomplete statistics, the primary global applications of mica in 2019 were in thermal insulation and insulating materials, comprising a combined market share of 55% and 24% respectively, adding up to 79% in total. The high-temperature smelting industry, electric power industry, and automotive industry accounted for the largest portions, representing 35%, 18%, and 7% respectively, totaling 60%.[5] In terms of market growth, both the global and domestic mica markets have been expanding annually. In 2022, the global mica market size reached approximately 606.57 million dollars. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the mica sheet market size between 2022 and 2029 is expected as high as approximately 3.91%, indicating a highly promising future.[4]

[1] DATAMICA. Exploring the diverse mica sheet uses in modern design [Internet]. DATAMICA; 2024 [cited 2024 May 8]. Available from: https://www.datamica.com/exploring-the-diverse-mica-sheet-uses-in-modern-design.html

[2] Dalley S. Top 6 mica sheet uses for a range of industries [Internet]. Elmelin; 2023 [cited 2024 May 8]. Available from: https://elmelin.com/mica-sheets-and-their-uses/

[3] Chen K. [hot item] fire resistant mica sheet insulation mica plates hard flexible mica sheet for toaster [Internet]. Made-in-China; [cited 2024 May 8]. Available from: https://redsuncm.en.made-in-china.com/product/HSnQGbOVaXUx/China-Fire-Resistant-Mica-Sheet-Insulation-Mica-Plates-Hard-Flexible-Mica-Sheet-for-Toaster.html

[4] MMR. Mica market -Global Industry Analysis and forecast (2023-2029) [Internet]. Maximize Market Research; 2023 [cited 2024 May 9]. Available from: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-mica-market/42926/

[5] Shijiazhuang Chenxing Industry Co. [Internet]. Shijiazhuang Chenxing Industry Co.; 2020 [cited 2024 May 9]. Available from: https://www.yunmufen.cn/newspage/news231.html

The mica processed goods giant companies will be the main consumers of mica sheet raw materials. So, companies like The Premier Mica Company, Asbury Carbons Inc. and Daruka Minerals will be our target customers as a matter of course. 

Figure 5. Global Mica Market Key Players[6]