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3M Glass Bubbles
3M Glass Bubbles are engineered hollow glass microspheres that are alternatives to conventional fillers and additives such as silicas, calcium carbonate, talc, clay, etc., for many demanding applications. These low-density particles are used in a wide range of industries to reduce part weight, lower costs and enhance product properties.
The unique spherical shape of 3M Glass Bubbles offers a number of important benefits, including: higher filler loading; lower viscosity; improved flow and reduced shrinkage and warpage. It also helps the 3M Glass Bubbles blend readily into compounds and makes them adaptable to a variety of production processes including spraying, casting and molding.
The chemically stable soda-lime-borosilicate glass composition of 3M Glass Bubbles provides excellent water resistance to create more stable emulsions. They are also non-combustible and nonporous, so they do not absorb resin. And, their low alkalinity gives 3M Glass Bubbles compatibility with most resins, stable viscosity and long shelf life.
Features
- Average particle sizes range from 17 to 65 microns
- Light weight with densities varying from 0.12 to 0.6.
- High strength to density ratio.
- Spherical shape.
- Chemically stable.
- High filler loading possible and easy to disperse.
- Lower thermal conductivity.
- Made from specially formulated glass.
Benefits
- Reduce the density of a polymer or coating.
- Lower viscosity meaning easier flow.
- Improved insulation properties.
- Replacement of resin in polymers and coatings.
- Reduced cycle times in injection moulding applications.
- Reduced *VOC’s in coatings.
- Weight reduction Survives processing.
*(VOC’s) Volatile Organic Compound
Applications
Acrylic and industrial latex paints, Architectural base coves, Architectural Paints (<3 mils) or Smooth Appearance, Brush/Roller Coatings, Caulks and sealants, Central consoles to the hood, Consumer Goods, Cultured marble, Deck Coatings, Airless Spray Coatings, Elastomers, Electronics and appliances, Electronics, Engineered Wood, Epoxy coatings, Exterior Solar Reflective Coatings, Extruded profiles for window and door trim, Fenders, Furniture and molded décor, Furniture, Injection molded components and extruded profiles, Insulative Coatings with Lower Thermal Conductivity, Interior cabin components, Lightweight hand-held tools, Lightweight Injection Molded Parts, Lightweight Putty, Lightweight seam sealer, Lightweight Seam Sealing & Underbody Coatings, Lightweight Sheet Molded Composites (SMC), Low-shrink spackling, wall repair compounds/Putties, Machinable, sandable compounds, Molded décor, Packaging films, Packaging, tire tubs, Polymer wood composites and siding, Polyolefins, nylon composites and other thermoplastics, Potting compounds, Preformed concrete, Sheet molding compounds (SMC) and bulk molding compounds (BMC), Spackling, caulks, adhesives, Sporting goods, Spray-up/lay-up, Thermoplastic polymers, Thermoset polymers, Thermosets, liquids and pastes, Tire tubs, Underbody coatings, Wood/polymer composites.
