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3M Roof Coatings Blog English Glass Bubbles

The Impact of 3M™ Glass Bubbles on Energy Efficiency

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Pioneering Sustainable Building Solutions

In the ever-evolving world of sustainable construction, 3M Glass Bubbles have emerged as a pivotal innovation. These unique materials are redefining the efficiency of roof coatings by significantly boosting their solar reflectance. This article delves into how 3M Glass Bubbles are offering a ground breaking, energy-saving alternative to conventional materials in the building industry.

Understanding the Role of Solar Reflectance

Solar reflectance is crucial in the effectiveness of ‘cool roof’ technologies, where ideal coatings reflect over 80% of solar energy. This high reflectance rate is essential as it minimizes solar energy absorption, reducing the dependency on air conditioning and thereby cutting down on energy costs. Traditionally, materials like titanium dioxide have been used to reflect solar radiation. However, 3M Glass Bubbles stand out as a superior option due to their unique ability to scatter light, attributed to their hollow structure.

Innovating with 3M Glass Bubbles

Made from water-resistant soda-lime borosilicate glass, 3M Glass Bubbles excel in light scattering, particularly in infrared (IR) radiation wavelengths. This property is key to keeping buildings cooler and reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems(2).

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Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) Enhancement

Various studies have shown that 3M Glass Bubbles surpass traditional fillers like calcium carbonate in solar reflectance. The smaller, high-strength grades especially demonstrate remarkable reflectance, thanks to their greater surface area and efficient packing (3).

Boosting Cooling Efficiency

Beyond TSR, 3M Glass Bubbles significantly contribute to the thermal diffusivity of roof coatings. Experimental data using coatings on aluminum panels indicate

that the inclusion of these glass bubbles markedly reduces heat transfer, a direct benefit of their high TSR.

Advantages Over Traditional Fillers

Lightweight and Strong

3M Glass Bubbles enhance roof coatings with their low density and high crush strength, making application easier and more durable.

Improved Flow Characteristics

The spherical nature of these microspheres leads to lower viscosity in coatings, simplifying the application process.

Efficient Binder Usage

The unique surface area to volume ratio of 3M Glass Bubbles minimizes binder requirements, resulting in coatings with higher solid content and reduced shrinkage.

Practical Applications in the Construction Industry

The use of 3M Glass Bubbles in roof coatings is not limited to energy savings. Their enhanced solar reflectance and thermal properties also play a vital role in extending the durability and efficiency of roofing systems, particularly beneficial in areas with high solar irradiance.

A Step Towards Greener Construction

3M Glass Bubbles are more than an advancement in roofing materials; they represent a significant stride towards environmentally friendly construction practices. Their diverse benefits in terms of solar reflectance, strength, and ease of application make them an exemplary choice for progressive, energy-efficient roofing solutions.

Learn More About 3M Glass Bubbles

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Combatting Heat Waves in the Balkans

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Tackling Heat Waves in the Balkans

In recent years, cities across the Balkan Peninsula have been grappling with unusually high temperatures during summer months. This increase in solar radiation has led to significant energy and public health challenges. Notably, Athens, Sofia, Bucharest, Skopje, and Tirana have experienced scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C. Moreover, cities like Belgrade, Pristina, and Podgorica are increasingly facing similar heat extremes.

The Rising Energy Challenge

The energy consumed for indoor cooling during these hot months is expected to skyrocket, potentially doubling the annual electricity expenses for citizens. This surge in energy use poses a substantial economic burden, necessitating timely and innovative solutions.

The Role of 3M Glass Bubbles

As governments and local industries seek sustainable ways to address these heat waves, cutting-edge technologies like 3M Glass Bubbles emerge as a viable solution. These advanced materials can be used in coatings and surface protections, significantly reducing energy costs by enhancing solar reflectance.

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Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

It’s essential for the local industry in each Balkan country to explore state-of-the-art technologies. Research and development departments should collaborate with research organizations and universities, fostering an exchange of know-how. This collaborative approach can lead to more efficient, cost-effective solutions for heat management.

Citizens Seeking Energy-Efficient Solutions

As the need for energy-efficient solutions grows, citizens are turning to products that can help mitigate the impact of heat waves. 3M Glass Bubbles, used in coatings and surface treatments, offer a practical way to reduce energy costs while protecting surfaces from intense solar radiation.

A Step Towards Cooler Cities

The use of innovative technologies like 3M Glass Bubbles in the Balkans is more than a mere response to rising temperatures; it’s a step towards creating more sustainable, energy-efficient urban environments. As these solutions gain traction, they not only alleviate the immediate challenges of heat waves but also contribute to the long-term well-being of communities across the Balkan Peninsula.

Learn More About 3M Glass Bubbles

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Blog English Glass Bubbles

Exploring the Versatility of Syntactic Foams and Glass Bubbles in Modern Applications

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The Innovative World of Syntactic Foams

Syntactic foams, complex compounds created by incorporating hollow spherical particles into polymeric or ceramic matrices, are revolutionizing various industries. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recognizes these materials for their remarkable properties. This article explores the diverse applications and benefits of syntactic foams, particularly when combined with glass bubbles.

Customizing Syntactic Foams

The unique properties of syntactic foams are highly customizable. By altering aspects such as the matrix material, filler size, microsphere wall thickness, and volume ratio, these materials can be tailored to meet specific needs. Their ease of

production is another key advantage, making them suitable for various applications.

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Types and Applications of Syntactic Foams

Epoxy Syntactic Foams

Known for durability and stiffness, these are ideal for structural applications.

Polyamide Foams

Used in electronic devices due to excellent mechanical and electrical properties, often combined with silicon spheres.

Polyurethane Foams

Boasting high compressive strength and water resistance, these are suitable for long-term submersion in humid environments.

Polyester Syntactic Foams

Combined with hollow glass microspheres, they are perfect for marine vessels and underwater structures, thanks to buoyancy and moisture resistance.

Polypropylene and Glass Spheres

Offer low density, robust mechanical properties, and thermal insulation, making them versatile in various sectors.

The Role of Glass Bubbles in Syntactic Foams

Glass bubbles, particularly in syntactic foams, enhance the material’s solar reflectance and thermal properties. With solar reflectance values typically above 80%, these materials are excellent for “cool” roof paints, absorbing less than 20% of incident solar energy. This feature makes them suitable for applications requiring energy efficiency and temperature control.

Syntactic Foams Shaping the Future

Syntactic foams, especially when used with glass bubbles, are at the forefront of material innovation. Their versatility and customizable properties make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from marine engineering to energy-efficient coatings. As technology progresses, the potential of syntactic foams continues to expand, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient materials in various industries.

Learn More About 3M Glass Bubbles

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50 Years of 3M™ Presence in Greece!

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Our company participated in the 3M Symposium celebrating 50 years of 3M’s presence in Greece, held on October 15, 2021, at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel.

Key speakers included Mr. Marc Routier, Regional 3M MD/VP, and Mr. Christos Barakos, General Manager of 3M Hellas, who highlighted 3M’s significant achievements locally and globally.

The event gathered official distributors from all 3M product sectors, fostering discussions in a friendly atmosphere and providing an excellent networking opportunity with company executives.

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Extreme weather and climate events and public health responses.

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A World Health Organization meeting in 2004 highlighted the significant rise in deaths during the 2003 heatwave in France. The heatwave increased mortality due to hyperthermia, dehydration, respiratory, and genitourinary diseases. Misreporting issues, where cardiovascular deaths were classified under other causes, were noted. The report recommends enhancing public health by improving building designs and urban planning to reduce heat buildup.

Concerning long-term measures, it was felt that public health authorities should encourage and support improvements in building design and city plans to diminish the build-up of heat.

Heat-waves were associated with an increase in all causes of death, not just heat stroke. In France, an excess of mortality was observed for all causes of deaths. The highest increases were observed for causes directly linked to the heat-wave, such as Hyperthermia and dehydration (28.9% of the 2003 heat-wave total mortality was attributable to the heat-wave). Mortality due to respiratory diseases and genitourinary diseases also showed a significant increase.

However, a bias exists in the description of the causes of deaths, as some cardiovascular diseases have been reported as respiratory diseases (pulmonary oedema) and some hyperthermia have been reported as infections.

Concerning long-term measures, it was felt that public health authorities should encourage and support improvements in building design and city plans to diminish the build-up of heat.

See for more

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Cooling the Cities

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Solar Energy and Urban Cooling Technologies

Volume 103, May 2014, Pages 682-703

Cooling Cities: A Review of Reflective and Green Roof Technologies to Combat Heat Islands and Enhance Urban Comfort

Author: M. Santamouris, Group Building Environmental Research, Physics Department, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Published: Available online 30 July 2012

Highlights:

  • Heat Islands: The phenomenon is well-documented.
  • Mitigation Technologies: Various solutions have been proposed.
  • Reflective and Green Roofs: These are key methods for increasing urban albedo and reducing heat.
  • State-of-the-Art Review: A comprehensive overview of these technologies is provided.

Highlights

► Heat island is a very well documented phenomenon.

► Several Mitigation Technologies have been proposed.

► The increase of the albedo in cities and green roofs are among the more important ones.

► The state of the art of both mitigation technologies is presented.

Abstract

Urban temperatures are rising due to the heat island effect and climate change, exacerbating energy issues, reducing comfort, endangering vulnerable populations, and worsening pollution. In response, several mitigation strategies have been developed. Among the most promising are increasing the city’s albedo (reflectivity) and implementing green roofs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of these technologies. The analysis includes both simulation studies and experimental data.

Key Findings:

  • Albedo Increase: A global increase in city albedo by 0.1 can reduce average ambient temperatures by 0.3 K and peak temperatures by 0.9 K.
  • Cool Roofs: A 0.1 increase in roof albedo can lower average urban temperatures by 0.1 to 0.33 K.
  • Green Roofs: City-wide green roofs can reduce average ambient temperatures by 0.3 to 3 K.

The paper synthesizes the conditions under which these technologies perform best, providing clear boundaries and guidelines for their application.

For further details, please refer to the original article or explore more on reflective and green roof technologies.

Learn more

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Urban Heat Island and Mitigation Technologies in Asian and Australian Cities – Impact and Mitigation

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Heat island is one of the more documented phenomena of climate change. It deals with increased urban temperatures compared to those of the surrounding rural or suburban areas. Heat islands in low and mid-latitude areas increase the cooling load of buildings, thermal discomfort, pollution levels, and heat-related illness. Studies have shown that urban heat islands (UHI) have an effect on pollution and on human health.

The impact on the energy consumption of buildings and cooling energy consumption has also been documented, especially the peak electricity demand. High temperatures have been shown to intensify urban pollution problems, especially the increase in ozone concentrations. With the deteriorating outdoor thermal comfort conditions, the urban ecological footprint was affected.

The impact on the energy consumption of buildings and cooling energy consumption has also been documented, especially the peak electricity demand. High temperatures have been shown to intensify urban pollution problems, especially the increase in ozone concentrations. With the deteriorating outdoor thermal comfort conditions, the urban ecological footprint was affected.

23 August 2018, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

  • Junjing Yang, National University of Singapore, Department of Building, Singapore 117566,
  • Mat Santamouris, Group of Building Environmental Research, Department of Physics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, 15784 Athens, Greece

Learn more

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NANOVISION Webinar – 3M™ Glass Bubbles

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Stay cool and take a deep breath!

Webinar about the 5 key insights on paints and coatings filled with 3M™ Glass Bubbles

Tune in on February 18th 2021 at 10:00 am Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to our webinar, meet our Glass Bubbles Application Engineering Specialist Jean-Marie Ruckebusch, and find out how Glass Bubbles can address:

  • Ηow maintaining a comfortable room climate is not solely dependent on energy investment in air conditioning and heating
  • Ηow the risk of mould growth caused by cold bridging and condensation in old buildings can be mitigated
  • Ηow valuable industry assets facing severe aging by corrosion can be protected

To register please enter with the link:

Those who attended the webinar and wish to view it again, simply click here. By using the same email you registered with initially, you will be redirected to the webinar’s page where you can watch the presentation once more.

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Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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Prevention is better than cure. It is wise someone to be prepared to take precautions towards a possible danger instead of dealing with its effects.

According to the EU Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

It is a fact that dangerous substances are still a major health and safety issue in the workplace. The effects of exposure to hazardous substances include temporary and mild health damage such as skin irritation, to severe acute and chronic diseases such as lung obstruction, but also potentially fatal diseases such as asbestosis and cancer.

Various hazardous substances are also flammable or explosive, resulting in additional safety risks. In addition, some substances have acute toxic and fatal effects, e.g. gases produced by sewage or gases leaking from cooling systems.

One of the biggest health problems caused by workplaces across Europe, and indeed throughout the world, is the work related cancer. It accounts for an estimated 53 % of all work-related deaths in the European Union (EU) and other developed countries. The disease can have multiple causes, and its causes and their interplay are not fully understood. According to the Roadmap on Carcinogens in 2016, about 120,000 work-related cancer cases occur each year as a result of exposure to carcinogens at work in the EU, leading to approximately 80,000 fatalities annually.

Risk assessment is the first and key step towards risk prevention

The starting point and key to risk reduction and prevention is risk assessment. Every company in Europe must perform risk assessments according to the Framework Directive (Directive 89/391/EEC, the OSH Framework Directive of 12 June 1989).

More precisely:

1. An inventory should be made of dangerous substances in the workplace and those generated by work processes, i.e. combustion processes, diesel exhaust in warehouses, dust from drilling or grinding (rocks, stone, wood, metals, etc.), fumes from welding or soldering, degeneration products from recycling and waste industries, etc.

2. Information should be collected on the specific hazards, e.g. on chemical products from safety data sheets and on process generated substances.

3. The exposure to the identified dangerous substances should be assessed by looking at the type, intensity, length, frequency and occurrence of exposure to workers.

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4. An action plan should be drawn up that lists the steps that must be taken, in order of priority, to reduce the risks to workers. It should specify by whom, how and by when each step should be taken. The possibility of elimination or substitution has to be considered first.

5. Risk assessment should also take into account any workers that may be particularly at risk. The measures necessary to protect them and any additional training and information needs should be specified. Furthermore, workers can also be exposed, when doing maintenance or repair work or accidentally, to, for example, intermediary products from a chemical production process that is usually closed.

6. The risk assessment should be regularly revised and updated.

7. The impact and improvement of the preventive measures should be assessed, and they should be revised if necessary.

Find more for Personal Protective Equipment

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GGBS (Ground granulated blast-furnace Slag)

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In the ever-evolving world of sustainable construction, 3M Glass Bubbles have emerged as a pivotal innovation. These unique materials are redefining the efficiency of roof coatings by significantly boosting their solar reflectance. This article delves into how 3M Glass Bubbles are offering a ground breaking, energy-saving alternative to conventional materials in the building industry.

Traditional cement manufacturing consumes a large quantity of energy and emits high amounts of carbon dioxide due to calcination of limestone and combustion of fossil fuel. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is known as the main heat-trapping gas largely responsible for most of the average global warming over the past several decades. Given its high emissions and critical impact on environment, the cement industry is an obvious field to refer to in order to reduce CO2 emissions.

The combination of GGBS into cementitious mortars production could provide various characteristics during application such as:

 

  • Temperature reduction during concrete hydration in massive structures
  • Lessening of the water permeability, porosity and improvement of the cement strength relationship 
  • Durability in Chloride Attack
  • Effect on pH stability

Learn More About GGBS

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