Is complimentary sericite a type of mica?

Sericite is a type of mica, a silicate mineral with a layered structure. Sericite has a wide range of uses and is used in rubber, plastics, coatings, paints, ceramics, insulation, cosmetics, pigments, papermaking, metallurgy and other industries.

Sericite is a natural fine-grained muscovite mica, a silicate with a layered structure. It can be split into extremely thin sheets with a thickness of less than 1 μm (theoretically it can be cut into 0.001 μm), with a large diameter-thickness ratio. It has good abrasion resistance, heat resistance and insulation, is difficult to dissolve in acid and alkali solutions, and has stable chemical properties. In addition, the chemical composition and structure of sericite are similar to kaolin, and it also has certain characteristics of clay minerals, that is, good dispersion and suspension in water media and organic solvents, white color, fine particles, and stickiness. Therefore, sericite has various characteristics of mica minerals and clay minerals.

The application of sericite in coatings and paints is mainly based on its silky luster, high whiteness, good dispersion, low relative density, strong adhesion, UV reflection, water barrier, air barrier and other properties.

The application of sericite in plastics is mainly based on its silk luster, whiteness, large volume ratio, good dispersion, corrosion resistance, electrical properties, etc.