SPI Mica Sheets and Disks
Techniques for cleaving SPI mica sheets
The successful cleaving of mica requires a little bit of an "art" but more, just
a good understanding of the process.
The structure of mica is often times described, as being "micaceous" or
layer-like. The solid state structure of mica can be described as being a series
of parallel sheets, and as it turns out, these sheets can be readily separated by
the use of something very sharp pressed into one of the edges of the mica piece
(the as-purchased sheet).
We like to recommend first, the use of safety glasses. Do not proceed
further without proper eye protection! The second item needed is a sharp
blade, such as a razor blade or even a scalpel blade. Our recommendation is
a GEM-style single edge razor blade.
The next step is to press the edge of the razor blade, parallel with the lateral
planes of the sheet, sort of into the edge, literally starting a "prying"
process, by which the piece is "pried" into two prices. You have to experiment a
bit as to whether this step is done more quickly or more slowly. We ourselves
believe that a better surface is obtained if done more slowly than more quickly,
but there is also the greater chance for accidental razor blade damage to the
freshly created surface. This also means that each cleaving produces two freshly
cleaved surfaces, not one.
Just how many cleaving can one do? Well, it sort of depends on just how thin a
remaining piece can be and still get two freshly cleaved faces.
Just always remember that from SPI Supplies you have a choice of different
"grades" of mica, all mica is most definitely not the same, and you should select
the grade that seems best for your application. You will also notice that the
higher the quality of the grade selected, the more readily cleavable will be the
mica and this also usually means that you can cleave from a thinner piece.
Additionally, whatever grade you are going to be using, the SPI mica sheets,
after cleavage, require no further surface preparation, no cleaning and no
exposure to solvents. The surfaces are expected to be used "as cleaved". When
reporting results, if indeed you have done something additional to the surface,
then that should be disclosed, since for most persons using mica, "freshly
cleaved" really is suggestive of no further treatments.
To Ask a Question or Make a Comment
To Place an Order or Request a Quote
Return to:
Friday July 04, 2008
© Copyright 1999 - 2008. By Structure Probe, Inc.
Contacting SPI Supplies and Structure Probe, Inc.
All rights reserved.
All trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Worldwide Distributors, Representatives, and Agents
