Micarta
Micarta is originally a brand name of General Electric and describes a fiber-plastic composite . However, the name is also used for a number of similar materials from different manufacturers . What they all have in common is that an absorbent carrier material ( cellulose , linen , wood, etc.) is impregnated with phenolic resin during their manufacture . After the synthetic resin has hardened, you can grind the piece of micarta to size. With differently colored materials a grain emerges, but there are just as homogeneous-looking Micarta types.
Properties such as dimensional stability under changing conditions and water resistance make it a popular material for the manufacture of knife handles and sports bow middle parts . In addition, it is easy to process with suitable agents (dusts and vapors are, however, harmful to health) and can be colored as desired. In the technical field it is used as an insulating material .
The guitar manufacturer Martin & Co. uses black micarta for the construction of some of its acoustic guitars . In the new X-series and 16-series, for example, the fingerboards and bridges of several models are made of this material.