Understanding the Use of Mica in Capacitors: Key Factors and Considerations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of mica as a dielectric material in capacitors, exploring its properties, such as dielectric constant and breakdown voltage, and comparing it to air and other materials. Participants consider the implications of these properties on capacitance and the current trends in capacitor materials.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that mica is an insulator and highlight its dielectric constant compared to air, suggesting this is why mica is used in capacitor construction.
  • There is a proposal to apply the formula for capacitance (C=κC) to determine how the dielectric constant of mica affects capacitance, with a specific value of 5 mentioned.
  • One participant suggests that using mica could increase the capacitance of capacitors.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of comparing the breakdown voltage of mica to that of air, indicating a potential area of consideration.
  • It is noted that while mica has been a valuable dielectric material, it is now often replaced by ceramics in modern applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on mica being an insulator and its relevance in capacitor construction, but there are differing views on its current applicability compared to ceramics, indicating a lack of consensus on the best materials for capacitors.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the dielectric properties and their implications for capacitance are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the comparison of mica with ceramics in terms of performance and usage.

ahjie
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If fill mica between the air gaps between capacitors will how?
We need consider mica as conductor?
 
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ahjie said:
If fill mica between the air gaps between capacitors will how?
We need consider mica as conductor?

No, mica is an insulator. Look up the dielectric constant of mica, and compare that value to the dielectric constant of air. Do you see now why mica is used in capacitor construction?
 
berkeman said:
No, mica is an insulator. Look up the dielectric constant of mica, and compare that value to the dielectric constant of air. Do you see now why mica is used in capacitor construction?

If the dielectric constant of mica is 5, then apply this formula?(C=κC。)

so make the capacitance of that capacitors higher?is it like this?
 
Also compare breakdown voltage of mica cf. air http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_12/8.html
 
ahjie said:
If the dielectric constant of mica is 5, then apply this formula?(C=κC。)

so make the capacitance of that capacitors higher?is it like this?

Yes. And then add in the comment from NascentOxygen, which I didn't even think of...
 
Mica has been a fantastic dielectric but is abandoned now. We have ceramics.
 

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