3M™ Glass Bubbles K25 DC

3M™ Glass Bubbles K25 DC 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 that is ideal for plastic and rubber parts created from compression molding, extrusion processes, and/or other vigorous processing equipment. 3M glass bubbles help to reduce weight, reduce noise, vibration and harmonics; reduce thermal expansion; and contribute to cost savings. They are used in a variety of applications in diverse markets, including automotive, construction materials, electronics, marine and paints and coatings.

Principal: 3M Advanced Materials

Functions: Filler

Chemical Family: Borosilicates

Processing Methods: Casting, Injection Molding

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Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Blend
No
Chemical Family
Chemical Name
Country of Origin
Industrial Additives Functions
Product Code
MITM00060
Single Ingredient
Yes
Synonyms
Glass, oxide, chemicals, Oxide glass chemicals, Glass Fiber
Technologies
Product Families

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods

Properties

Physical Form

Regulatory & Compliance

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Principal Information

Group Principal Number
S002409
Principal

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions
  • To help ensure ease of storage and handling while maintaining free-flowing properties, 3M™ Glass Bubbles have been made from a chemically stable glass and are packaged in a heavy-duty polyethylene bag within a corrugated container.
  • Minimum storage conditions should include unopened cartons in an unheated warehouse.
  • Under high humidity conditions with an ambient temperature cycling over a wide range, moisture can be drawn into the bag as the temperature drops and air contracts. This effect may lead to moisture condensation in the bags. Extended exposure to these conditions may result in “caking” of the 3M glass bubbles to various degrees. To minimize the potential for “caking” and prolong the storage life, the following suggestions are made:
    1. Carefully re-tie opened bags 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.

    3. During humid summer months, store in the driest, coolest space available.

    4. If good storage conditions are unavailable, carry a minimum inventory, and process on a first/in-first-out basis.

  • Dusting problems that may occur while handling and processing can be minimized by the following procedures:

    1. For eye protection wear chemical safety goggles. For respiratory system protection wear an appropriate NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator. (For additional information about personal protective equipment, refer to Material Safety Data Sheet.)

    2. Use appropriate ventilation in the work area.

    3. Pneumatic conveyor systems have been used successfully to transport 3M glass bubbles without dusting from shipping containers to batch mixing equipment. Static eliminators should be used to help prevent static discharge.

    4. Diaphragm pumps have been used to successfully convey 3M glass bubbles. Vendors should be consulted for specific recommendations.

Other

Appearance
White to the unaided eye
Color (SDS)
White
Item Number
Odor (SDS)
Odorless
USA/DOT UN Number
Not Applicable
Thermal Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Thermal Conductivity0.085 W/m·KW/m·Kat 21°C
Thermal Stability1112.0 °F°F
Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Alkalinitymax. 0.5 meq/gmeq/g
pH9.1-9.9-pH Meter deionized water at 5% volume loading, the resulting pH of the slurry
Shelf Life & Stability
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shelf Life1.0 yryr
Electrical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Dielectric Constant1.2-1.7-at 100 MHz
Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Isostatic Crush Strength750.0 psipsiIsostatic Crush Strength, 80% Minimum Fractional Survival, 90% Target Fractional Survival
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density0.23-0.27 g/cm³g/cm³
Oil Absorption0.2-0.6 g/cm³g/cm³ASTM D281
Particle Size105.0 µmµmeffective top size, by volume
Particle Size90.0 µmµm
Sieve Fractionation (Retained)max. 1.0 %%
Material Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Volatile Contentmax. 0.5 %%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)