3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K

3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K are high-strength polymer additives made from a water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. These hollow glass microspheres can be used as a low density filler material ideal for plastic and rubber parts created from injection molding, extrusion processes, and/or other vigorous processing equipment (e.g., Banbury mixers, etc.), offering improved processing over many conventional fillers. They can reduce final part weight by 15% or more without compromising the mechanical integrity. 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K help to reduce weight, improve dimensional stability, reduce shrinkage and sink marks, and contribute to material and process cost savings. They may be ideal additive materials for applications in the automotive, heavy truck, aerospace, electrical, sports and leisure, electronics, appliance and durable goods industries. 3M glass bubbles are also valuable in construction products such as polymer/wood composites and siding helping not only to reduce part weight, but also to improve dimensional stability and nail-ability.

Principal: 3M Advanced Materials

Functions: Filler, Filler

Chemical Family: Borosilicates

Processing Methods: Extrusion, Injection Molding

End Uses: Aerospace Applications, Appliances, Automotive Applications, Construction Products, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Heavy Truck, Sporting Goods

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Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Blend
No
Chemical Family
Chemical Name
Composite Materials Functions
Country of Origin
Function
Filler
Plastics & Elastomers Functions
Product Code
MITM00050
Single Ingredient
Yes
Synonyms
Glass, oxide, chemicals, Oxide glass chemicals, Glass Fiber
Technologies
Product Families

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Composites End Use
Plastics & Elastomers End Uses
Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods
Markets
Applications
Formulation Information
  • Flow properties: 3M™ glass bubbles iM16K will remain free flowing for at least two years from the date of manufacture when stored in the original, unopened container in accordance with the recommended storage conditions.
  • Glass bubble breakage: Breakage may occur if the product is severely processed. To minimize breakage, minimize exposure to high shear processes and point contact shear, such as gear pumps and 3-roll mills. When adding to an extrusion process, the material should be added downstream of the feed hopper via a side stuffer or top feeder (similar to adding glass fiber).

Properties

Physical Form

Regulatory & Compliance

Safety & Health

Safety Precautions
  • Use safety glasses with side shields for eye protection. To minimize the dusting potential during handling, consider the following:
  • Do not open glass bubbles packages until ready to use. 
  • Upon opening, have an appropriate local exhaust ventilation near the opening to pull away airborne particles. Dust collection equipment may be required (check local OSHA and other regulations).
  • Remove glass bubbles with a suction “wand” (with slight positive pressure aeration) and transfer to a closed mixing tank inside fully contained piping. If a closed mixing tank is not available, use dust collection equipment as close as practical to the point of entry. Pneumatic conveying systems have been used successfully to transport glass bubbles without dusting from shipping containers to batch mixing equipment.
  • Static eliminators should be used to prevent static buildup.
  • An air-purifying respirator suitable for particulates may be selected for protection after an optional exposure assessment is performed for your specific application.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Principal Information

Group Principal Number
S002409
Principal

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions
  • Ideal storage conditions include unopened cartons in a dry and temperature-controlled warehouse.
  • Extended exposure of 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K boxes to high humidity and/or conditions susceptible to condensation may result in some amount of “caking” of the glass bubbles.
  • To minimize the potential for caking and maximize storage life, the following suggestions are offered:
  1. Carefully re-tie opened bags immediately after use.

  2. If the polyethylene bag is punctured during shipping or handling, seal the hole as soon as possible or insert the contents into an undamaged bag.

  • During hot and/or humid months, store boxes in the driest, coolest space available. - If controlled storage conditions are unavailable, carry a minimum inventory, and process on a first/in first out basis.

  • Due to the low weight and small particle size of 3M glass bubbles iM16K, avoid creating dust while handling and processing.

Other

Appearance
Off white powdery hollow spheres with thin walls
Color (SDS)
White
Item Number
Odor (SDS)
Odorless
USA/DOT UN Number
Not Applicable
Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
pH9.5-at 5 wt% loading in water
Shelf Life & Stability
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shelf Life730.0 dd
Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Isostatic Crush Strength16000.0 psipsiat 90% survival by volume
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density0.46 g/cm³g/cm³
Softening Point600.0 °C°C
Material Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Volatile Content0.5 %%By Weight
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density (SDS)0.1-0.6 g/cm³g/cm³
Softening Point (SDS)min. 600.0 °C°C
Specific Gravity (SDS)0.1-0.6-
Volatile Content (SDS)max. 0.5 %(W/W)%(W/W)