Potters Europe

Engineered Glass Materials Division

Potters Europe is the European division of Potters Industries LLC., the largest producer of glass microspheres in the

world, with a global network of 25 production plants throughout Europe, North and South America and Australasia.

From production plants strategically located close to our customers throughout Europe, Potters supplies

performance Glass Microspheres for a variety of applications, throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Africa and

the Middle East.

For some years, Potters Europe has been researching and developing Glass Microspheres for use in the functional

fillers industry, and as a result, the company launched its Engineered Glass Materials Division (EGM), complete with

a Technical Centre. This innovation provides expert engineers offering technical support, training, state-of-the-art

equipment for research and development, and a sales force dedicated solely to the industry

Glass Microspheres Technology

Solid and Hollow Glass Microspheres are unique additives for thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems. Glass

Microspheres are smooth, hard and offer excellent chemical resistance as well as outstanding processing and

physical properties. Potters Europe can offer Solid Microspheres in both Soda-Lime (A) and Borosilicate (E) Glass and

Hollow Microspheres in various proprietary compositions.

Borosilicate is chosen for its very low sodium content and low coefficient of

thermal expansion. Formulators in Automotive, Aerospace, Chemical,

Electronic, Industrial, Engineering and other industries are using Microspheres

to enhance performance and reduce reject rates in production. Solid Glass

Microspheres have an outstanding record of improving thermoplastic and

thermoset properties. Recently, significant density reductions are possible

with the latest Hollow Glass Microsphere technology

Properties Soda-Lime ‘A’ Glass Borosilicate ‘E’ Glass

Physical Properties Refractive Index Specific Gravity

1.51 2.5 g/сm3

1.55 2.54 g/сm3

Mechanical Properties Young Modulus

Rigidity Modulus Poisson’s rations

6.89 x 104 N/mm2 2.6 x 104

0.21

6.89 x 104 N/mm2 2.96 x 104

0.21

Chemical Properties pH at 25 oC

% Wt loss, 1 hr H2O boil 11-12 11.1

8-9 1.7

Electrical Properties Dielectric Constant, 22oC, 106Hz

Loss Tangent, 22oC, 106Hz 6.9

0.0085 5.8

0.0010

Thermal Properties Softening point, oC

Expansion Coeff. oC*10-7 740 90

846 28

Process Benefits

Smooth surface and efficient shape

Lowest surface to volume ratio

Ultra high loading capacity

Low resin mix viscosity

Excellent mould flow

Uniform dispersion

Lower tool wear than mineral fillers

Lower moulding pressures

Product Benefits

Unique “ball-bearing” spherical shape

Low uniform shrinkage

Low warpage

Density reduction

High flexural modulus

High abrasion resistance

High compressive strength

Increased surface hardness

Insulation against sound and heat

Improved stress distribution

Excellent bonding to resins

Chemically resistant

Compatible with Food contact regulations

Low coefficient of thermal expansion

Smooth surface finish

Coupling Agent Coatings

Solid and Hollow glass microspheres are extensively used in

most thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems as an

inorganic functional filler and reinforcement. When the

microspheres are used, process-ability and resin composite

performances are enhanced, while overall manufacturing

costs are reduced.

Interfacial Bonding, between

the glass beads and the

polymer can be enhanced by

the use of a coupling agent

(coating). These agents are

being applied to the

microspheres during

manufacture, in molecular

layers to obtain maximum

adhesion. This improved

bonding manifests itself in

improved properties of the

moulded section. Accordingly, elastic modulus and strength

are significantly improved. Surface treatment has also been

shown to improve melt viscosity, most likely due to improved

wetting

Microspheres are available with coatings of three different

coupling agents – CP01, CP02 and CP03; all are formulated for

optimum performance within specific resin systems.

Product Range - Solid Glass Microspheres

Spheriglass® Performance Enhancing Microspheres

Solid Glass Microspheres provide a unique additive for

thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems. Their multiple

benefits, including enhanced processing and reduced

manufacturing costs and outlined below.

Spheriglass® Solid Glass Microspheres are light, hard and

smooth. They offer excellent chemical resistance, low oil

absorption and are used in Automotive, Electrical, Household

Appliance, Adhesives, Packaging, Paint, and Construction

industries.

High Resin Displacement

The precise geometry of Spheriglass® microspheres allows

them to disperse evenly, pack closely, and wet out easily in

the compound, permitting very high filler loadings.

Low Shrinkage & Warpage

High loadings of glass microspheres add significantly to the

dimensional stability of finished products by reducing

shrinkage and improving part flatness.

Better Moulded Parts

Glass Microspheres product superior finished product

characteristics in many resin systems. High loadings can

increase flexural modulus, increase abrasion resistance,

increase surface hardness and improve stress distribution.

Dimensional Stability

Better stress distribution is achieved from the use of a

spherically shaped particle. With glass microspheres, the

stress pattern is regular and predictable, showing less

localised stress concentrations.

.

Birefringence patterns show stress patterns in resin surrounding different shapes of filler particles.

Note uniform stress patterns around the microsphere

Typical Properties of Spheriglass®

Spheriwhite® Colour Enhancing Microspheres

Spheriwhite® has been developed for a range of markets

where colour is important. These include “white-goods” in

household appliances, leisure and medical equipment, and

for the paints and coatings industry.. It is a result of several

years of research and testing, using the expertise of the

engineers at the EGM Technical Centre. A specific process

has been researched, developed, and now patented.

Spheriwhite® Solid Glass Microspheres controls the

whiteness of a polymer in its final product where there is no

pigment, and enhances the colour where there is a pigment

present. Spheriwhite® is also cost-effective: it can be used in

conjunction with expensive alternate pigment whiteners that

are currently used to enhance colour or to whiten, therefore

cutting manufacturing costs as well as improving overall

appearance.

FIBRE

IRREGULAR PARTICLE

MICROSPHERE

Properties Spheriglass® Glass Microspheres

Bulk Density 2.54 g/сm3

Refractive Index 1.51

Mean Particle Size Range

(µm) 3.5 - 800

Colour, Physical Form White, Free-Flowing Powder

Sub-sieves Ultra Fines Microspheres

Sub-sieves joins the growing range of performances functional

fillers, supplied by Potters Europe and is suitable for a range

of markets where colour is important and very fine controlled

top cut is critical. These include Masterbatch for BoPP Films,

Food packaging, Coatings for laminates, Wood varnishes, Top

coat/gel coat, coil coiling, thin film decorative paints, light

diffusion films and Agricultural Film among others.

Based on the same technology platform as our Spheriglass

solid microspheres, these highly calibrated grades ensure a

tight control of particle size and ensure that no particles are

above a given threshold.

Glass composition and impervious surface of the

microspheres improve film integrity and durability

They contribute to an effective barrier against

corrosion, chemicals, reducing surface porosity

They are typically used to improve hardness, add

burnish, scrub and abrasion resistance

They give minimum impact in clear coatings. Gloss

level could be controlled by loading ratio

Due to the chemistry, they are also UV transparent and

have utility in radiation-curable and thin film powder

coatings

They also block shrinkage and Warpage and enhance

impact strength

μm Spheriglass 7010 Spheriglass 7025

D 50 2 – 3 8 – 11

D 95 6 – 8 16 – 19

D 100 10 25

Q-Cel® Ultra-Light Weight Reducing Microspheres

Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres offer the opportunity to manufacture low-density products with enhanced properties and performance. These performance microspheres are engineered speciality functional fillers that significantly reduce density and enhance mechanical properties. Q-Cel® products have a density of approximately one-fifth

that of most thermosetting resins. On an equal weight basis, the Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres occupy about five times more volume than the resin, which can reduce compound weight, reduce VOC content and cost. They also provide other desirable properties, such as increased impact resistance, improved finishing characteristics and

better thermal shock resistance and are formulated with a proprietary fired glass composition.

Typical Properties of Q-Cel® Lightweight products

Typical Properties of Q-Cel® High-Strength Products

Applications include automotive repair compounds, mouldings and thin-films as low as 4 mils. These Microspheres used alone or in combination with other Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres or conventional fillers, will provide maximum filler loadings and low compound densities at the desired viscosity. Samples in sufficient quantity for testing are available upon request.

Potters Europe offer a range of Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres for applications with moderate pressure and shear. Formulators may choose Q-Cel® Microspheres according to working pressure and desired density. These single-cell particles are white, free-flowing, have a hydrophobic coating and are used in many markets such as Automotive as car putty, Construction in cultured marble applications, and Mining as a sensitizer for explosives

Product Range - Hollow Microspheres

6014.k 6019.k 6717 7023S.k 5028.k

Bulk Density, Untamped (g/cm3) 0.08 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.16

Effective Density, Liquid Displacement (g/cm3) 0.14 0.19 0.19 0.23 0.25

Mean Particle Size (µm) <105 <80 <52 <85 <75

Particle Size Range D90 (µm) <190 <150 <105 <135 <120

Colour, Physical Form White, Free-Flowing Powder

6036 7040S 6042S 6048

Bulk Density, Untamped (g/cm3) 0.21 0.26 0.26 0.27

Effective Density, Liquid Displacement (g/cm3) 0.35 0.40 0.42 0.47

Mean Particle Size (µm) <70 <60 <60 <60

Particle Size Range D90 (µm) <115 <95 <100 <105

Maximum Working Pressure (psi/Mpa) 1000 / 6.8 2000 / 13.8 2000 / 13.8 3000 / 20.7

Colour, Physical Form White, Free-Flowing Powder

Sphericel® Ultra-Fine Weight Reducing Microspheres

Sphericel® Hollow Glass

Microspheres are made from a

very strong waterproof

proprietary glass composition

and are characterised by a

higher strength/density ratio.

They provide all benefits of

solid glass microspheres plus

the ability to reduce parts

density. Sphericel are

designed to withstand high

pressure and shear. The extra

fine size distribution givens enhanced properties to

thermoplastics and thermoset parts as well as to paints,

coatings and other applications. Their special features include:

Improved Mould Flow Properties – Addition of Sphericel®

with its unique “ball-bearing” shape, reduces the viscosity of

most resin mixes, resulting in increased mould flow. The

process ability is improved and throughput is increased. In

fibre-reinforced systems, the spherical particle disorients

directional orientation of the fibres and enhances the

reinforcement benefit.

Dimensional Stability - The use of Glass Microspheres to

reduce shrinkage and impart dimensional stability is well

known in the plastics industry. The spherical particle

distributes stresses evenly, resulting in significantly reduced

product warpage.

Density - When used to displace an equal weight of mineral

filler or pigment, Hollow Glass Microspheres will occupy a

larger volume than the material they replace. This displaces

solvent in the formulated product, reducing VOC’s.

Colour & Opacity - Sphericel® Hollow Glass Microspheres are

uniformly white in colour. They can reduce the use of white

pigments such as titanium oxide, without loss of whiteness or

hiding.

Shape - Microspheres have the lowest surface to volume ratio

of any particle shape, so they exhibit the lowest resin

demand. In addition, they act like little ball-bearings,

contributing to easier application and enhanced flow and

levelling.

Strength - The high crush resistance of Sphericel® enables

them to be processed in conventional mixing and dispersing

equipment.

Enhanced Physical Properties - The high surface hardness and

inert composition of glass microspheres serve to impart wear,

stain and chemical resistance to the finished product

Inert Composition – Sphericel® Microspheres will not dissolve

in water or react with solvents, organic chemicals, acids or

alkalis.

Weight Reduction – Sphericel® Microspheres displace the

same volume of resin as solid glass spheres of the same size,

but are significantly lighter.

Safety – Sphericel® Hollow Microspheres are amorphous glass

products. For complete safety and handling instructions,

please consult our Material Safety Data Sheets.

Survives Moulding Pressure - A significant advantage of

Sphericel® 110P8 is the ability to withstand high pressure

moulding applications with insignificant sphere breakage.

Typical Product Properties

Appearance White Powder

Composition Fused Borosilicate Glass

Shape Spherical, Hollow, non porous

Colour Value White (min 90.0 L value on dry powder)

Hardness 6 Moh’s scale

Chemical

Resistance Low alkali leach, insoluble in water

Typical Properties of Sphericel® Ultra-fines Hollow Microspheres

Grade Density

(g/сm3)

Particle Size (µm)

(Malvern Laser Analyser)

Maximum Working Pressure(isostatic)

Bulk True D10 D50 D90 D97 Psi Bar Mpa

110P8 0.49 1.1 5 10 21 25 10,000 689 69

60P18 0.32 0.6 9 19 33 36 8,000 552 55

45P25 0.26 0.45 12 21 34 38 4,000 276 28

34P30 0.22 0.34 20 38 60 68 3,000 207 21

25P45 0.14 0.25 24 46 72 81 750 52 52

Product/Service Information

Ref: 3-08-001-1-07

Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is

based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to

accept the responsibility in respect of factors which are outside our knowledge

or control.

Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are

trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited

Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered

trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.

Other Product Range: Sphericel® Ultra-Fine Hollow Glass Microspheres

Spheriglass® Performance-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres

Spheriwhite® Colour-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres

Luxsil® Cosmetic Microspheres

Spacer Beads Solid Glass Microspheres for the bonding lines

A & P series Technical Quality Solid Glass Microspheres

Q-Cel® ONG Hollow Microspheres for Oil Well Cementing

Medisphere® Glass Microspheres for Medical Applications

Glassfill® Ultra fine Powdered Glass

For further information about our range of Solid & Hollow Glass Micro-

spheres, please contact us:

Potters Europe

Pontefract Road

Barnsley

South Yorkshire S71 1HJ

United Kingdom+44 (0)1226 704 516

Fax: +44 (0)1226 207 615

E-mail: PQHS-Sales@pottersgroup.com

www.potterseurope.com