Archive for the ‘Hollow Glass Microspheres’ Category

The hollow glass microspheres are extremely versatile and are used as additives in an astonishing variety of products. For example, they reduce the density of body fillers to weight of plastic parts to underwater deep pipe insulation.

In Indian automotive industry using hollow glass microspheres could be an added advantage in plastic parts of the car. These tiny bubbles help reduce vehicle weight – improving fuel efficiency, so its all about fuel efficient car.

The hollow glass microspheres can be formulated into quick-drying, low-shrinkage, spackling and other construction materials. And they provide a wide range of additional benefits in applications ranging from sporting goods to solar reflective paint.

This article comes from GP edit released

Hollow glass microspheres have found use in many applications over the years. They are widely used in the fiber-reinforced polyester industry to improve the manufacturing process of shower stalls and boats.

Lighter, more-durable fiberglass products are a direct result of the creative use of hollow glass microspheres. Thick-film ink, mining explosives, and rubber and plastic products of all descriptions are just a few other examples of the many products that are made better with these versatile materials.

The benefits derived by these diverse end uses vary – some are unique to a specific industry, while others are common goals shared by many manufacturers.

This article comes from pcimag edit released

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a composite of a hollow glass microsphere and a polymer with modifiable properties to produce enhanced products. The novel properties are produced in the composite by novel interactions of the components. The hollow glass microsphere and polymer composite materials are a unique combination of a hollow glass microsphere typically particulate components and a polymer material that optimizes the composite structure and characteristics through blending the combined polymer and hollow glass micros to 90% of the base polymer materials to achieve true composite properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a composite of a hollow glass microsphere and a polymer having improved and novel properties methods of making and applications of the materials. The material of the invention is provided through a selection of non metallic, hollow glass microsphere particle specie, particle size (Ps) distribution, molecular weight, and viscoelastic character and processing conditions. The particles have a specific and novel particle morphology that cooperates with the components of the invention to provide the needed properties to the composite. The material attains adjustable chemical/physical properties through hollow glass microsphere selection and polymer selection.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to novel composites made by combining a hollow glass microsphere particulate with a polymer to achieve novel physical electrical surface and viscoelastic properties. A hollow glass microsphere particulate having a particle size ranging from about 10 microns to about 1,500 microns can be used in the invention. The maximum size is such that the particle size (Ps) of the particle is less than 20% of either the least dimension or the thinnest part under stress in an end use article. Such particles can be substantially hollow and spherical.

Both thermoplastic and thermosetting resins can be used in the invention. Such resins are discussed in more detail below. In the case of thermoplastic resins, the composites are specifically formed by blending the particulate and interfacial modifier with thermoplastic and then forming the material into a finished composite. Thermosetting composites are made by combining the particulate and interfacial modifier with an uncured material and then curing the material into a finished composite.

This article comes from justia edit released

The objective of this work is to improve the structural characteristics of hollow glass microsphere filled epoxy syntactic foam composites with little voids content and improved hollow glass microsphere dispersion in the composite.

A modified degassing technique has been introduced during resin casting process of the hollow glass microsphere filled syntactic foam composites. The effect of hollow glass microsphere content volume fractions (5–25%) on the degassing techniques was examined. The syntactic foam composites were characterized by analysing structural morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM), and density measurements (theoretical and experimental).

Less than 5% void content has been achieved in this study. This resulted in improved tensile and dynamic mechanical properties (DMA).

This article comes from degruyter edit released

Hollow glass microspheres, also called microballoons, are the most versatile. To the naked eye, the small, hollow spheres appear like fine powder. Ranging from 12 to 300 µm in diameter (by comparison, a human hair is approximately 75 µm in diameter), hollow glass microspheres pack a lot of functionality into a very small package.

Integrated the hollow glass microsphere into composite parts, they provide a variety of product enhancements and process improvements — including low density, improved dimensional stability, increased impact strength, smoother surface finish, greater thermal insulation, easier machinability, faster cycle times, and cost savings.

Composite manufacturers, already adept at making the most of their materials, regularly exploit these benefits — sometimes all at once.

This article comes from compositesworld edit released

Silane-treated hollow glass microspheres offer additional performance improvements. A silane coupling agent acts at the interface between an inorganic substrate, like hollow glass microspheres, and an organic polymer to bond, or couple, the two dissimilar materials.

Very destructive to adhesion is migration of water to the hydrophilic surface of the inorganic glass filler. Water attacks the interface, destroying the bond between polymer and filler. But a true coupling agent creates a water-resistant bond at the organic/inorganic interface. Silane coupling agents not only enhance bond strength but also prevent de-bonding at the interface during composite aging and use.

Notched Izod impact, tensile and flexural strengths and elongation at break all show much better properties when a coupling agent is applied to the microsphere filler. In general, notched Izod and tensile strength improve by about 40% when comparing silane-treated and untreated hollow glass microspheres. In addition, silane treatment slightly enhances the density reduction obtainable with microspheres, because the silane provides a lubricious surface layer that reduces microsphere breakage during compounding.

Adding silane treatment further increases the advantages of the newest, strongest microspheres. The most significant property improvement is in elongation at break. Here, there is almost 300% improvement from 35% elongation at break for silane-treated S60HS microspheres to 100% for silane-treated iM30K additives.

This article comes from ptonline edit released

White roof coatings have existed in hot countries for a long time. These coatings help to reflect solar energy back into the atmosphere, rather than heating up the building. To achieve this white finish, pigments and fillers like titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate are used.

This article demonstrates that, with the use of hollow glass microspheres in a coating, one can achieve a high level of total solar reflection with the dry film. This helps to reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling systems.

It is worth noting that there are many coating applications possible with this technology and that it is not just restricted to improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Other examples that would benefit from the use of solar heat reflective coatings include caravans, mobile homes, cold storage distribution centres, refrigerated vehicles, oil and gas storage tanks, cryogenic tanks and tankers, and deck coatings.

Total solar emission is shown in the spectrum below. It comprises UV, visible and IR radiation – the latter responsible for heating. In this article, we will show that hollow glass microspheres offer an excellent level of reflection in both the visible and IR regions of the spectrum.

This article comes from l-i edit released

Finding methods for improving efficiency and bioavailability is central to targeted drug delivery. While controlled release dosage medication forms are the norm, they can encounter many limitations. One disadvantage is the difficulty of locating and retaining the drug delivery system within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to gastric emptying variation. This can cause drug release that is insufficient for the patient or result in shorter residence time of the dosage in the stomach.

To increase gastric retention and improve drug absorption, hollow glass microspheres have been developed and applied in the clinical setting for certain patients. Porous-wall hollow glass microspheres used in medicine are often produced from biopolymers, ceramics, bioactive glasses, and silicates. Hollow glass microspheres feature a 10 to 100 micron-diameter hollow cavity for the containment of certain substances.

The most predominant mode for drug administration to the systemic circulation is the oral route. Some drugs have difficulty absorbing through the GI tract when using this route, prompting professionals to seek alternative methods for delivering pharmacologically active substances to the body.

The porous or hollow features of hollow glass microspheres offer the ability to encapsulate fragile drugs and provides protection from biological compounds that may interfere with drug availability. These spherical, empty particles can remain in the gastric region for long periods of time and extend residence time of drugs in the GI tract.

Porosity offers improved loading efficiency and helps control the release of medications. Overall, hollow glass microspheres improve bioavailability of a drug, thereby reducing drug waste.

Hollow glass microspheres can be produced to feature a uniform shape and size that can improve delivery of spheres to a specific target site. Additionally, hollow glass microspheres are an ideal candidate for carriers of therapeutic agents due to their porosity, large surface area, and volume.

The hollow center of the hollow glass microspheres reduces their density to such a degree that they have the potential to be buoyant. This behavior makes hollow glass microspheres suitable for use in a wide variety of applications.

This article comes from mo-sci edit released

The concept of using hollow glass microspheres as a hydrogen storage medium has been known for some time. Hydrogen diffuses through the thin wall of the hollow glass microsphere at elevated temperatures and pressures. The gas is then trapped upon cooling to room temperature.

The ability of hollow glass microsphere to safely store compressed hydrogen gas is a major advantage. Howev er, a traditional limitation of hollow glass microsphere has been the poor thermal conductivity of a packed bed of hollow glass microsphere; poor conduction of heat translates to unsuitably low release rates of hydrogen gas.

As we all know, the reflective film is widely applied in advertising, traffic area, safety application. There are two main types, hollow glass microsphers, and micro-prismatic. Now we’re going to show the Principles of the two types.

1) Engineer Grade Hollow Glass Microsphers Reflective Tape– Type 1

EG retro-reflective tape is a type 1 material with hollow glass microsphers providing the reflection. Which is recommended for viewer within 50 yards of the tape.

2) High-Intensity Hollow Glass Microspher Reflective Tape-Type 3

The high-intensity grade hollow glass microsphers are contained in little honeycomb chambers with an air space above them. This arrangement makes for a brighter tape. Recommended for applications where the viewer is within 100 yards of the tape.

Micro-prismatic – ( Non Metalized Micro-Prismatic / Metalized Micro-Prismatic )

1) Non Metalized Micro-Prismatic Reflective Tape– Type 4

The non-metalized micro-prismatic tape is made by laminating a layer of prismatic film onto a honeycomb grid and white backing.This film is visible from much farther away than high intensity or engineer grades.

2) Metalized Micro-Prismatic Reflective Tape– Type 5

Metalized micro-prismatic reflective film is coating the back of a micro-prismatic layer with a mirror coating and then applying adhesive and a release liner to the back. This material can be used for various areas as well as those where the viewer is in more than 100 yards from the sheeting. In most cases, it can be seen from over 1000 feet away. Which make it excellent for highway applications or where the tape will be shining through snow or rain.