Introduction
Mica is the ideal insulation material for many applications, especially in electrical machines. Due to its exceptional properties, mica is widely used in high-voltage rotating electrical machines.
Engineering
A typical electrical insulation contains a composite material consisting of a mica tape and a glass or polyester tape.
An epoxy-based resin acts as an organic binder and couples the two components. The most commonly used tape has an overall thickness of 90 microns and consists of approximately 60% mica, 10% resin and 30% other backing materials.
Advantages
Mica is inorganic and infusible and offers many advantages such as:
– high dielectric strength
– high insulation resistance
– low dielectric loss
– Good mechanical resistance
– Good dielectric constant
– Good thermal conductivity
Mica is widely used in composite tapes and sheets used up to 600 °C with excellent resistance to corona effect.
