Glass Bubbles

Product Overview

Hollow Glass Bubbles from 3M are borosilicate glass manufactured to be perfectly spherical. The hollow nature allows for extremely low densities but the material and shape of the bubbles gives strength allowing for a high strength-to-density ratio.

Lightweight polymer compound is in high demand at the moment. New regulations on fuel consumption are part of the reason for this growth in lightweight technology, within the automotive and aviation sectors at least. Hollow glass bubbles are the filler of choice for reducing the part density of thermoplastic and thermoset composites, due to the availability of the high-strength “im” series.

These glass bubbles can easily withstand the pressures experienced inside twin screw extruders and injection moulding machines (see the compounding guidelines brochure below). im30k and im16k are the two grades of choice for this application. See the technical datasheet below for an overview of this impressive range of products. Average particle sizes range from 15-65 microns and crush strengths from 28,000 – 250 psi respectively (90% of bubbles surviving at this pressure).

Additionally, the hollow glass bubbles lead to reduced warpage, improved scratch resistance and reduced cycle times in injection moulding – all whilst maintaining a decent level of mechanical performance when properly formulated.

Hollow glass bubbles are also widely used in anti-condensation paints, due to the low thermal diffusivity they impart to the coating which lowers the dew point.