3M™ Glass Bubbles K20
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Details
Highlights
- Decreases density and increases buoyancy to help improve efficiency and may lower material costs
- Provides excellent water and oil resistance for use in underwater applications
- Stable voids for low thermal conductivity and reduced dielectric constant
- Versatile use – adaptable to a variety of production processes
- Low density, chemically stable bubbles are ideal additives for emulsion explosives
3M™ Glass Bubbles K20 glass bubbles have a density of 0.20 g/cc and an isostatic crush strength of 500 psi. These general purpose spheres have a good strength-to-density ratio and are designed for use in a variety of shallow water (e.g up to 2,000 feet of sea water) buoyancy applications, as well as emulsion explosives..
What are 3M™ Glass Bubbles?
The general purpose K Series glass bubbles are the most versatile and economical 3M™ Glass Bubbles. Our 3M™ Glass Bubbles K20 are engineered hollow glass spheres made from water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. Like all 3M glass bubbles, our K20 glass bubbles are water and oil resistant, providing better utility in underwater applications. Additionally, they are non-combustible and non-porous, so they do not absorb resin; and their low alkalinity makes this product compatible with most resins while providing a stable viscosity and a long shelf life.
3M glass bubbles are a superior alternative to many conventional fillers and additives such as silicas, calcium carbonate, talc, clay and other materials used in demanding applications. Our low-density spheres are used in a wide range of industries to reduce part weight, may lower costs and enhance product properties – making them more reliable and affordable than many alternatives such as cenospheres and perlite.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
The benefits don’t end there; although these hollow spheres have thin walls, they have an isostatic crush strength of 500 psi, making them suitable for a number of buoyancy applications, including additives in buoys and shallow water buoyancy applications (e.g. up to 2,000 feet of sea water). K20 bubbles have a fractional survival rate of 80% or more, at 500 psi for consistent performance in highly filled resin systems.
The unique spherical shape of these bubbles offers a number of additional benefits, including: higher filler loading, lower viscosity/improved flow and reduced shrinkage and warpage. Higher filler loading offers the potential for lower costs. Adding to this product’s versatility is its ability to be easily blended
Specifications
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