Micarta
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A composite of linen or paper fabric in a thermosetting plastic, used in electrical and decorative areas, Micarta was developed by Westinghouse at least as early as 1910 using phenolic resins invented by Dr. Leo Baekeland. These resins were used to impregnate paper and cotton fabric which were cured under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates. In later years this manufacturing method included the use of fiberglass fabric, other resin types were also used. Today it is also used on balisong, or "butterfly" knife handles.
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[edit] Factory
The factory originally near Pittsburgh was moved to South Carolina in 1954 and sold to International Paper in 1995, then sold to the Nevamar Corporation in 2002. In the year 2003 the industrial sections of that division were sold to Norplex and moved to a factory in Iowa.
[edit] Manufacturing process
Micarta industrial laminates are normally phenolic, epoxy, silicone, or melamine resin based thermoset materials reinforced with fiberglass, cotton cloth, paper, or carbon fiber. Micarta industrial laminate sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of prepreg. These layers of laminations are usually of cellulose paper, cotton fabrics, synthetic yarn fabrics, glass fabrics or unwoven fabrics. When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminated plastic.
[edit] Grades
Micarta industrial laminates are manufactured in dozens of commercial grades.
[edit] Applications
The largest use for Micarta industrial laminates is as high strength electrical insulation in power generating and distribution equipment.
Micarta industrial laminates are also used in heavy equipment, aerospace, automotive, office equipment, electronic, and other commercial applications.
Micarta industrial laminates can be used for electrical insulation between pressure vessels or piping and their supports.
Micarta industrial laminates are also commonly used in decorative applications, including knife handles and gun handles, guitar fingerboards and bridges, pool cues, etc.
Micarta is a trademark of Norplex-Micarta Industrial Composites.
[edit] References
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