As the name suggests, microspheres (sometimes referred to as microballoons) are microscopic lightweight fillers that can be created from various natural and synthetic materials such as glass, ceramic and polymer. Based on the intended application, some are hollow and some are solid. Microspheres can be added to plastics, resins, adhesives, composites, and many other materials. Their inclusion produces several benefits depending on the application, from lower density to improved insulation to lower costs.
The most commonly used microspheres and their key attributes are
Solid glass microspheres – ideal for high sheer and stress applications; high compressive strength, heat, and chemical resistance; and highest density.
Hollow glass microspheres – lower sheer and compressive strength than solid glass spheres, with good heat and chemical resistance; lower density than solid glass.
Cenospheres – aluminosilicate microspheres, a byproduct of coal combustion; high melt temperature and excellent chemical resistance; not engineered products so physical attributes may vary; similar density to hollow glass microspheres.
Polymeric microspheres – ultra low-density spheres; good chemical resistance; available in heat-expandable versions; commonly used for construction materials, automotive sealants, coatings, and fillers.
This article comes from chasecorp edit released