4. Automotive The automotive industry also relies on MICA for various applications, including insulation in wiring and coatings that provide durability and shine. With the rise of electric vehicles and a focus on eco-friendly materials, MICA could play a critical role in the future of automotive manufacturing in China.
In 2022, Lingshou Huajing Mica Co., Ltd. launched cosmetic grade mica powder. The flake structure of mica powder can lock the water on the surface of the skin, forming a protective film to effectively prevent water loss. Its unique gloss and reflection effect add natural and charming luster to the skin, and mica powder also has a certain sunscreen effect. To a certain extent, it can reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays on the skin, protect the skin from the external environment, and prevent sunburn.
Artisans utilize pearl mica in various projects, including custom ceramics, jewelry making, and even home décor items. Its ability to blend seamlessly with other materials makes it a favorite among crafters looking to add a unique touch to their creations.
Mica powder, known as industrial monosodium glutamate, is widely used. With the continuous development of technology and application market, and some new requirements have been put forward for the quality of mica powder, so synthetic mica powder has been developed. Compared with the natural mica powder processed by natural mica ore, and the synthetic mica powder synthesized by using a variety of raw materials through high temperature reaction and other chemical methods. What are the advantages and differences between them?
Despite its many advantages, the mica industry has faced scrutiny due to concerns about unethical mining practices. In regions such as India, where much of the world’s mica is sourced, child labor and unsafe working conditions have been reported. This has led to calls for greater transparency and ethical sourcing within the beauty industry.
For example, the safe operation of high-speed rail cannot be separated from the escort of mica products.
Natural mica powder and synthetic mica powder also have great differences in electrical insulation, mechanical properties, chemical stability, application range and cost. Natural mica powder has good electrical insulation, but the volume resistivity is lower than that of synthetic mica. Synthetic mica powder has better electrical insulation properties, high volume resistivity and stable dielectric constant, and is suitable for high performance electrical insulation materials. The hardness of natural mica powder is relatively low (2-3), and it has good elasticity and peeling property. The hardness of synthetic mica powder is higher (between 3 and 4), and the tensile strength and compressive strength are better than that of natural mica powder. Natural mica powder is stable in acid-base solution, but it is easy to decompose at high temperature. Synthetic mica powder is stable to acid and base at room temperature, but will be slowly corroded by sulfuric acid above 300℃. Better thermal stability, not easy to release gas. Natural mica powder is widely used in electrical appliances, welding rods, rubber, plastics, paper making, paint and other fields. Synthetic mica powder is mainly used in high-end electrical insulation materials, aviation, aerospace, national defense industry and other high-tech fields. Because synthetic mica powder needs to be produced through complex chemical processes, its production cost is usually higher than that of natural mica powder. Therefore, in the market, the price of synthetic mica powder is often higher than that of natural mica powder. However, with the continuous progress of production technology and the gradual emergence of scale effects, the price of synthetic mica powder is expected to gradually decrease.
Sustainability and safety are also key considerations in the cosmetic industry today. Fortunately, matte mica powder can be sourced responsibly. Many companies are now committed to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that the mica used in their products is mined sustainably and does not contribute to environmental degradation or exploitative labor practices. When shopping for cosmetics, consumers are encouraged to look for brands that prioritize transparency and sustainability in their ingredient sourcing.