What is MIO ?

Micaceous Iron oxide (MIO) is a crystalline form of iron oxide that differs from Red, Yellow, and Brown variety of iron oxides. Its crystals are very easily fractured into thin flakes & looks like mica. This similarity gives rise to the term MICACEOUS  and it is normally dark grey to black in colour. All MIO ores are generally occurred in  Lamellar formation, along with Non Lamellar Hematite cavities.

Morphology of MIO :                      MIO is processed,  Micaceous hematite ore with a metallic lustre or sparkle that can be easily seen with the naked eye. Like the other forms of iron oxide, MIO is a chemically inert material and is insoluble in water, organic solvents, and alkalis.  It is un-reactive to most of the chemicals and is heat stable up to it's melting point of over 2,700 °F (1,000 °C). MIO is Non-Toxic, Non-Oxidizing, Non-Corrosive &  Non-Flammable.               Protective Action :            MIO has widespread use in our protective coatings because of its anti-corrosive properties, which stem from the unique nature of its flake-like particles. The MIO is incorporated into our coating system in a way that the flakes align parallel to the substrate surface, producing a shield or barrier of overlapping plates. This alignment enhances protection by providing barrier protection, ultraviolet (UV) light absorption, film reinforcement, and increased intercoat adhesion.               Barrier Effect :            Because MIO flakes are impermeable, a physical barrier is formed that prevents the ingress of water, oxygen and ions-and thus prevents corrosion of the steel and degradation of our MCU binder. Spherical fillers do not provide barrier to the coating whereas Lamellar particles are an excellent example of protective coating.
Ultraviolet Light Protection :            MIO flakes are strong UV light absorbers and are very weather resistant. These properties protect the surface of our MCU binder system from the degrading action of UV and other weathering elements. The shape and alignment of the particles permit MI0 to be much more effective than conventional granular pigments. Erosion rates and chalking are greatly reduced when MIO is present and other film properties such as flexibility are retained.               Film Reinforcement & Adhesion Promotion :            Use of Lamellar Micaceous Iron Oxide flakes in a coating toughen and strengthen the film. Rivera Coatings products formulated with MIO show greatly improved resistance to blistering and increased substrate adhesion. For example, MIO is used to promote adhesion in coatings formulated for galvanized steel because of its anti-corrosive properties, which stems from the unique nature of its flake-like particles.               Increased Inter-Coat Adhesion : The high content of MIO in Rivera Coatings products boosts inter-coat adhesion due to the flake-like particle matrix formed when the coatings dry. The micro texture formed by the lamellar flakes creates a surface profile which allows for better adhesion between coats.