ABSTRACT
For the past 25 years, naturally occurring mica has gained use as a mineral filler in thermoplastic composites. Mica ore is crushed and suitably delaminated by either dry or wet grinding (see Section 14.1.7 in Chapter 14). The resulting thin mica flakes have high aspect ratios that impart exceptional reinforcing characteristics to thermoplastic resins. The effective use of mica flake depends on a good understanding of the mica microstructure and processing characteristics.
