Hollow glass microspheres are industrially useful lightweight materials that exhibit high mechanical performance and are flexible. These are used as reinforcing materials in a polymer matrix to produce lightweight composites. According to Researcher, the global hollow glass microspheres market is expected to witness a moderate growth rate during the forecast period. Product innovations and technological advancements in the hollow glass microspheres industry are going to drive the global market. Moreover, growth in multiple other applications such as plastics, paints, and life sciences further pushes the market growth.
Of the many fillers now available to composites manufacturers, hollow glass microspheres, also called micro-balloons, are the most versatile.Microspheres pack a lot of functionality into a tiny package. Hollow glass microspheres can be produced by processing perlite that is a common volcanic glass.
The most obvious benefit of the hollow microsphere is its potential to reduce part weight, which is a function of density. Compared to traditional mineral-based additives, such as calcium carbonate, gypsum, mica, silica, and talc, hollow glass microspheres have much lower densities. Densities and crush ratings, however, vary dramatically across product lines. The market is expected to continue to be driven by the ongoing product developments in the hollow glass microsphere industry.
