3M™ Glass Bubbles

Lighter. Brighter. Cooler. Smarter.

3M™ Glass Bubbles for density reduction, solar reflectivity and more.

The lightweight filler

Product Overview

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.

Brochures & Technical Literature

3M™ Glass Bubbles Overview

An introduction to the features, benefits and applications of the 3M™ Glass Bubbles range.

3M™ Glass Bubbles Properties and Specifications

An overview of the different 3M™ Glass Bubble grades available and their relative properties.

The lightweight filler

Product Overview

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 3MGlass Bubbles offers a number of important benefits, including: higher filler loading; lower viscosity; improved flow and reduced shrinkage and warpage. It also helps the 3MGlass 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 3MGlass 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 3MGlass Bubbles compatibility with most resins, stable viscosity and long shelf life.

Brochures & Technical Literature

3M™ Glass Bubbles Overview

An introduction to the features, benefits and applications of the Hollow Glass Bubbles range.

3M™ Glass Bubbles Properties and Specifications

An introduction to the features, benefits and applications of the Hollow Glass Bubbles range.

Product Features

Average particle sizes range from 17 to 65 microns.

Lightweight with densities varying from 0.12 to 0.6 g/cc.

High strength-to-density ratio.

Spherical shape.

Chemically stable.

High filler loading possible and easy to disperse.

Low thermal conductivity and diffusivity.

Impressive range of crush strengths - up to 28,000 psi (90% survival).

Product Benefits

Reduce the density of a polymer or coating.

Lower viscosity, resulting in easier flow.

Improved insulation properties.

Effective volume filler in coatings and polymers.

Replacement of resin in polymers and coatings

Reduced cycle times in injection molding applications

Reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in coatings

Weight reduction

Survives processing

Excellent titanium dioxide extension properties

Typical Applications

Lightweight polymer composites.

Paints and coatings.

Potting compounds.

Adhesives and sealants.

Syntactic foams.

Acrylic and industrial latex paints.

Architectural paints (<3 mils) for smooth appearance.

Exterior solar reflective coatings.

Insulative coatings with lower thermal conductivity.

Lightweight polymer moldings and extrusions.

Product Features

Average particle sizes range from 17 to 65 microns.

Lightweight with densities varying from 0.12 to 0.6 g/cc.

High strength-to-density ratio.

Spherical shape.

Chemically stable.

High filler loading possible and easy to disperse.

Low thermal conductivity and diffusivity.

Impressive range of crush strengths - up to 28,000 psi (90% survival).

Product Benefits

Reduce the density of a polymer or coating.

Lower viscosity, resulting in easier flow.

Improved insulation properties.

Effective volume filler in coatings and polymers.

Replacement of resin in polymers and coatings

Reduced cycle times in injection molding applications

Reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in coatings

Weight reduction

Survives processing

Excellent titanium dioxide extension properties

Typical Applications

Lightweight polymer composites.

Paints and coatings.

Potting compounds.

Adhesives and sealants.

Syntactic foams.

Acrylic and industrial latex paints.

Architectural paints (<3 mils) for smooth appearance.

Exterior solar reflective coatings.

Insulative coatings with lower thermal conductivity.

Lightweight polymer mouldings and extrusions.

Request a Sample or More Information

At Nanovision, we offer a wide range of sample products and detailed documentation. Whether you need a sample for testing or more information about our materials, we can provide it immediately.

Need more Help

Click the button below to let us know how we can assist you, and one of our sales team members will be in touch within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can call us at +30 213 090 7763.

Case Studies

Case Study: Protecting the Aesthetics of a Historic Building in Mallorca

When selecting the ideal paint, architect R. Weber chose Solance and Solar from paint manufacturer Maxit®. These exterior paints, enhanced with 3M™ Glass Bubbles, are designed to withstand extreme humidity and high solar radiation.

Case Study: Keeping Buildings Cool as Temperatures Rise

As average temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, a barrier against solar radiation is essential to protect façades and keep buildings cooler in hot climates. Discover how paint manufacturer CERABRAN® developed a new exterior coating that reduces building temperatures by up to 4°C.

Case Study: An External Paint Formulated to Reduce Energy Use and Repel Dirt

Italian paint manufacturer Resinacolor has developed a groundbreaking heat-reflective and self-cleaning paint using a precise blend of premium raw materials, including 3M™ Glass Bubbles.

Case Study: A Mix and Match Paint System to Drive Energy Efficiency

Microreflex is an innovative coating system for both interior and exterior applications from Italian manufacturer Chiraema. Formulated with 3M™ Glass Bubbles, it enhances energy efficiency in buildings and minimizes condensation.

Case Study: A Mix and Match Paint System to Drive Energy Efficiency

Microreflex is a complete new internal and external coating system from Italian manufacturer Chiraema that has been formulated using 3M™ Glass Bubbles to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce condensation.

White Papers

White Paper: Solar Heat Reflection in Roof Coatings

The expanding construction market boosts electricity demand for cooling in hotter areas. Coatings manufacturers are capitalizing on this by developing solar heat reflective coatings to address increasing energy expenses. Explore the energy-saving possibilities in our whitepaper, which compares 3M™ Glass Bubbles with traditional fillers in acrylic elastomeric roof coatings.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of Europe's building stock undergoes energy renovations annually, which is insufficient to meet climate protection goals. To address this, the European Commission has introduced the “Renovation Wave” initiative, aiming to at least double the renovation rate over the next decade. Our whitepaper offers detailed information on the background, priorities, and measures of this initiative.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of the building stock in Europe is currently energetically renovated every year - too little to achieve the climate protection goals. The European Commission has therefore launched the “Renovation Wave” initiative, with the aim of at least doubling the renovation rate in the next ten years. Our white paper provides information on the background, priorities and measures.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of the building stock in Europe is currently energetically renovated every year - too little to achieve the climate protection goals. The European Commission has therefore launched the “Renovation Wave” initiative, with the aim of at least doubling the renovation rate in the next ten years. Our white paper provides information on the background, priorities and measures.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of the building stock in Europe is currently energetically renovated every year - too little to achieve the climate protection goals. The European Commission has therefore launched the “Renovation Wave” initiative, with the aim of at least doubling the renovation rate in the next ten years. Our white paper provides information on the background, priorities and measures.

On Demand Webinar

Webinar: Beyond fillers - Tiny Bubbles Delivering Big Impact

Paint is your first line of defense against wind, rain, and sun. Prolonged exposure to these elements tests the durability of any paint or coating. Varied climates challenge formulators to maintain the integrity, reduce cracks and algae growth, and deliver effective moisture management and solar reflectivity.

Webinar: Revolutionizing an Industry with 3M™ Glass Bubbles

3M Glass Bubbles are revolutionizing the paint and coating industry with innovative solutions to diverse climates and prolonged exposure. These tiny powerhouses enhance paint durability and performance, enabling formulators to maintain integrity, reduce cracks, prevent algae growth, and deliver superior moisture management and solar reflectivity.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of Europe's building stock undergoes energy renovations annually, which is insufficient to meet climate protection goals. To address this, the European Commission has introduced the “Renovation Wave” initiative, aiming to at least double the renovation rate over the next decade. Our whitepaper offers detailed information on the background, priorities, and measures of this initiative.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of Europe's building stock undergoes energy renovations annually, which is insufficient to meet climate protection goals. To address this, the European Commission has introduced the “Renovation Wave” initiative, aiming to at least double the renovation rate over the next decade. Our whitepaper offers detailed information on the background, priorities, and measures of this initiative.

White Paper: Renovation Wave

Only one percent of Europe's building stock undergoes energy renovations annually, which is insufficient to meet climate protection goals. To address this, the European Commission has introduced the “Renovation Wave” initiative, aiming to at least double the renovation rate over the next decade. Our whitepaper offers detailed information on the background, priorities, and measures of this initiative.

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Enhancing Paints & Coatings with 3M™ Ceramic Microspheres

15/2/24 - 10:00 AM(CET)

LIVE WEBINAR

3M GLASS BUBBLES

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