Why Mica is used in High Voltage Applications

 A group of silicate minerals that are physically and chemically similar is known as mica. Mica may not be a familiar mineral to people, but surprisingly mica products are used in various products and industries. From electronics to cosmetic products, there is a plethora of mica mineral uses.   



 Mica is known for its exceptional physical and chemical properties. Some of the common properties of mica include – dielectric, elasticity, insulating, refractive, reflective, lightweight, and many more. In addition, it is considered an excellent industrial insulation material because of its high thermal resistance. 

 

In this article, we will focus on some properties of mica that make it popular for high voltage applications. But, first, let's know some properties of mica that make it suitable to use as insulating material in electrical applications.

 

·         The dielectric strength of mica

Mica has dielectric strength, which means it can withstand up to 2000kv/mm before breaking down. Dielectric strength is the electrical strength of insulating material. It is the maximum voltage required to produce a breakdown through a material. If we divide the breakdown voltage by the thickness of the material, we know its dielectric strength. Mica also has high permittivity, which means it performs well as a dielectric in a capacitor. 

 


·         Physical properties of mica 

Mica can be used as an insulation material in low, mid, or high voltage. If we discuss its physical properties, it is highly durable. We can combine and laminate it with glass or ceramic for strengthening. This is commonly done in electrical applications. Other physical properties like flexibility and elasticity also make it an excellent option for high-voltage applications. 

 

  • Electrical properties of mica 

If we compare to the other electronic insulation materials, mica has some excellent electrical properties. It can withstand high temperatures up to 900 degrees Celsius. If it is laminated with other materials, then it withstands the temperature up to 1600 degrees Celsius. In addition, mica has a high permittivity rate of around 6-7 μF. Permittivity is the ability of a material to store electrical energy in an electric field. 

 

High Voltage Applications of Mica

Mica's typical high voltage applications include resistors and capacitors, electrical components, and consumer electronics. Mica is used with resistors and capacitors for improving the stability of high-performance circuits. In transistors, mica helps to amplify a specific signal and block out the others. Apart from it, mica is used in everyday appliances such as hairdryers, toasters, and iron. 

 

The Final Word

Excellent thermal and electrical properties of mica are the reason for its high demand in various industrial applications. As a result, it is the mineral used in various daily use products as well as the automotive, aerospace, and other such industries. 

 

 

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