The heat isolation (thermal insulation) property of glass bubbles comes from their low thermal conductivity, which makes them highly effective as insulation materials. Glass bubbles, also known as hollow glass microspheres, have a structure filled with gas or air, significantly reducing heat transfer.
Key Thermal Properties of Glass Bubbles:
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- Low Thermal Conductivity
The gas-filled hollow structure minimizes heat conduction.
Typical thermal conductivity ranges from 0.03 to 0.10 W/m·K, depending on the glass composition and size.
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- High Temperature Resistance
Can withstand high temperatures (often up to 600°C or more), making them useful for applications requiring thermal stability.
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- Lightweight and Low Density
Their low density (0.1–0.6 g/cm³) means they provide insulation without adding much weight to materials.
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- Thermal Stability in Composites
When mixed into plastics, coatings, or syntactic foams, they enhance insulation while improving mechanical properties.
Applications of Glass Bubbles for Heat Isolation:
- Thermal insulation coatings (for pipes, tanks, and industrial equipment)
- Lightweight cement and plaster (for construction insulation)
- Aerogels and syntactic foams (for extreme heat environments)
- Polymer and rubber composites (for automotive and aerospace applications)
- Cryogenic insulation (for LNG storage tanks)