Spheres of Influence

Spheres of Influence

A new type of glass microsphere additive has been developed for use in plastic extrusion and injection molding processes. The high-strength, low-density glass microspheres, 3M Performance Additives iM30K, can survive extremely high compressive forces, providing compounders and processors with new ap...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Appliance Design Vol. 55; no. 8; p. 33
Main Authors: D'Souza, Andrew S, Amos, Stephen E, Hendrikson, Karl
Format: Trade Publication Article
Language:English
Published: Troy BNP Media 01-08-2007
Subjects:
Additives
Air filters
Experiments
Impact strength
Injection molding
Mechanical properties
Microstructure
Particle size
Physical properties
Plastics
Product testing
United States > US
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Description
Summary:A new type of glass microsphere additive has been developed for use in plastic extrusion and injection molding processes. The high-strength, low-density glass microspheres, 3M Performance Additives iM30K, can survive extremely high compressive forces, providing compounders and processors with new application opportunities. To demonstrate the differences of the new material and previous generations, experiments were conducted that included two grades of 3M glass microspheres. Not only is the iM30K optimized for compressive strength but it has a noticeably smaller particle size and narrower particle size distribution compared with 3M S60HS Glass Bubbles. Another experiment was conducted with a molded 3M Filtrete Cabin Air Filter frame consisting of a standard 20 weight percent talc-filled homopolymer -- black, Piolen PPTV20A157. In summary, the experiments suggest that hollow glass microspheres can be used in thermoplastics to reduce weight, mold shrinkage, warpage and coefficient of linear thermal expansion.
ISSN:1552-5937
2328-1219