Bubble filler cuts weight, improves performance

Bubble filler cuts weight, improves performance

3M Specialty Materials has developed a glass filler which it says overcomes many of the drawbacks of conventional polymer fillers.

Scotchlite™ Glass Bubbles S60/18000 are microscopic glass spheres with a gaseous centre. With a low density and high strength, 3M says they are ideal for use in polymer automotive, truck and aerospace components.

According to 3M, traditional fillers such as silica, calcium carbonate and talc often increase part weight and have a negative impact on polymer flow properties. In contrast, its new glass bubbles are claimed to reduce part weight, improve dimensional stability and improve flow, as well as increasing yield, allowing high loadings and therefore reduced resin demand. Noise, vibration and harmonics are reduced in the finished part.

Because the bubbles are spherical and therefore have a low surface area per volume, 3M says they can absorb processing pressures of more than 1200 bar. The bubbles are compatible for use with engineered thermoplastics including TPO, TPU, TBT, PEEK, PFPS and polyamide (PA).