Splitting of Mica Crystals and Surface Energy

The splitting of mica is a complex non-equilibrium process followed by: the stretching of the surface layers till the adhesion forces are broken; the electrification of the surface caused by the non-equilibrium distribution K-ions at the splitting, the gaseous discharge, the emission current between the surfaces; the overcoming of the interaction between the packet dipoles, of the point charges of the electrostatistic mosaic. The principal component of the work of splitting is that of electrostatic interaction of the surfaces being divided. The work is practically equal to the potential energy of the interaction of the crystal packet dipoles and the work of stretching of the surface layers, if the splitting is being endlessly slow or the surface charges are neutralizing. Interaction potential consists of three parts: mutual attraction of packet dipoles (μ = 18D), repulsion of dipole hydroxyl, and repultion of electron shells of oxygen atoms of adjacent packets. The computer calculation of the surface energy value is ∼ 300 erg/cm2. Experimental measurements in vacuum and the neutralization of the charges of the electrostatic mosaic give the value of the surface energy ∼ 380 erg/cm2, that is in agreement with the results of calculations.