Micarta is a brand name for composites of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic. It was originally used in electrical and decorative applications, but today it is used in many different applications, including knife handles, propeller blades, auto parts, guitar fingerboards, pool cues, and more. Micarta is a popular material amongst manufacturers because it is lightweight, durable, and can withstand extremes in heat and cold, resists moisture, and does not become brittle with age.

Micarta is made by impregnating fabric with a thermosetting plastic resin, such as phenolic, epoxy, silicone, or melamine, and then curing it under pressure and high temperature to produce laminates. The resulting material is a hard, dense material that can be made into sheets, tubes, and rods. Micarta industrial laminates are normally reinforced with fiberglass, cork, cotton cloth, paper, carbon fiber, or other substrates.

There are different types of Micarta, including paper Micarta, linen Micarta, and canvas Micarta. Paper Micarta is made by combining paper Micarta and phenolic resin to form a nearly indestructible material that is resistant to corrosion, impact damage, acids, and alkali. Linen Micarta produces a finer finish compared to the gradient finish produced by canvas, while canvas Micarta is made up of thermosetting resins blended with canvas cloth.

In summary, Micarta is a composite material made of fabric and thermosetting plastic resin that is used in a wide range of applications due to its durability, resistance to moisture, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.