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An industrial coating is expected to perform many functions simultaneously. It must protect the substrate from corrosion, moisture, UV radiation,and mechanical damage. Additionally, it must adhere properly, cure properly, and maintain its appearance over many years of service. mica flake has been found to be a highly effective functional additive for these tasks. The unique structure, chemical inertness and reinforcing ability of mica make it a desirable component in all high performance industrial coatings. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. is the specialized processor focused on the crushing and sale of non-metallic minerals such as mica.
The Barrier Effect of Platy mica Particles
The main function of mica flake in industrial coating is its barrier effect. Mica particles are platy or flake shaped, with aspect ratios ranging from 10:1 to 50:1. When incorporated into a wet liquid paint, the mica flakes orient themselves with their planes parallel to the surface after application. When the coating dries or cures, mica flakes will create an overlapping labyrinthine structure. Water vapor, oxygen, salt ions and corrosive substances can not easily diffuse into the substrate due to the much longer diffusion paths. Mica dramatically improves the corrosion resistance of steel, iron, and other metal substrates, leading to longer lifetimes and better cost-efficiency for industrial structures, storage tanks, pipes and marine structures. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. produces mica flakes with meticulously controlled aspect ratios.
Reinforcing Coating Mechanical Properties
Apart from corrosion protection, mica flake provides an extraordinary improvement in the mechanical properties of the coating. Similar to rebar reinforces concrete, it acts as a micro-reinforcing element, which can disperse stress when subjected to impact, bending, or thermal stress. Consequently, it reduces the probability of cracking, chipping and delamination. Therefore, coatings containing mica are tougher and stronger, capable of withstanding wear and tear, weathering, and service damage. It's essential for high traffic floor coatings, equipment coatings and outdoor structures. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. uses advanced, modern processing technology which preserves the platy structure of the mica during crushing and processing. Our factory, established in 2003, has perfected this technology over nearly two decades.
Reducing Crack Propagation and Mud Cracking
Mud cracking is a typical problem in very thick industrial coating. The use of mica flakes can reduce this phenomenon greatly. During drying, mica flakes can limit shrinkage stress, thus reducing cracking formation. The problem of mud cracking in pipes coating, tank linings and heavy-duty floor coating will significantly reduce. Even if the cracks occur, they will not propagate across the full thickness due to the presence of overlapping mica flakes acting as crack arrestors. In other words, it helps the coating keep functioning even if it suffers minor damage. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. provides customers with technical guidance to help them select mica with desired aspect ratio for different coating thickness and application methods.
Improving Heat Resistance and Thermal Stability
Elevated temperatures are normally endured by industrial coatings. Mica flake is an inorganic mineral which is thermally stable to many hundreds of degrees and is capable of surviving these environments. The addition of mica flakes to the coating enhance the heat resistance and stress resistance from differential expansion during thermal cycling, thereby extending the lifetime of the coating. At the same time, the reflectivity of the mica particles reflects radiant heat which decreases the temperature of the substrate. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. provides the mica of international quality system ISO9001:2000, and the mica has been certified by the test report of the thermal stability.
Enhancing Coating Thixotropy and Anti-Sagging
The most important property of mica flake in relation to the rheological properties of the liquid coatings is Thixotropy. Platy particles form a three dimensional network that is resisting to flow after application and will reduce sagging of coatings which are applied vertically. This will enable a thicker coating height per layer, thus improving application efficiency. It is also used to inhibit the precipitation of other pigments. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. provides customers with different specifications and sizes as per the applications. Moreover, we have over 60 engineers to help customers to pick the most suitable specification.
Conclusion
Mica flake has proven to be effective in many industrial coatings, such as improving barrier protection, mechanical reinforcement, resistance to cracking, thermal stability and anti-sagging. It is platy in shape and has many advantages which others do not have. Hebei Hezhen Industrial Co., Ltd. extends its friendly greetings to all, both domestically and internationally, for joining us in business negotiation and mutual growth.
