3M™ Glass Bubbles S38HS

3M™ Glass Bubbles S38HS are high-strength polymer additives made from a water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime-borosilicate glass. These glass bubbles are designed for buoyancy and insulation in ultra-deep water applications in oil and gas drilling.The bubbles produce strong, stable voids and low thermal conductivity, helping coatings achieve the necessary compressive strength.

Principal: 3M Advanced Materials

Functions: Filler

Chemical Family: Borosilicates

End Uses: Drilling Application, Golf Balls, PVC-based Sealants, Syntactic Foams

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Polypropylenes (PP), Silicones

Processing Methods: Extrusion, Injection Molding, Pultrusion, Resin Transfer Molding

Applicable Processes: Deep Drilling Operations, Oil Drilling

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Properties

Physical Form

Regulatory & Compliance

Safety & Health

Safety Precautions
  • Use safety glasses with side shields for eye protection.
  • An air-purifying respirator suitable for particulates may be selected for protection after an optional exposure assessment is performed for your specific application.
  • Use with appropriate local exhaust ventilation/dust collection in the work area.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Principal Information

Group Principal Number
S002409
Principal

Storage & Handling

Storage and Handling Conditions
  • Carefully re-tie opened bags immediately after use.
  • 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.

Handling

  • Do not open glass bubbles packages until ready to use.
  • Upon opening, have an air siphon near the opening to pull away airborne particles.
  • 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 conveyor 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.

Other

Appearance
White powder
Color (SDS)
White
Insoluble in (SDS)
Water
Item Number
Other Hazards
Dust contact with the eyes can lead to mechanical irritation, Contact with dust can cause mechanical irritation or drying of the skin.
Temperature Control
No
USA/DOT UN Number
Not Applicable
Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
pH9.5-at 5 wt% loading in water
Material Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Volatile Content0.5%(W/W)
Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Isostatic Crush Strength5500.0psi80 vol.%
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density0.38g/cm³
Softening Point600.0°C
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Autoignition Temperature (SDS)460.0°C
Deflagration Index (SDS)239.0bar.m/s
Explosive Pressure (SDS)max. 8.0barDust
Shelf Life & Stability
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Shelf Life730.0d