What’s the Best Choice for Your Application? Thermoplastic vs. Glass Microspheres

Written by Mark Elve | Mar 15, 2018 6:00:04 PM

There are several types of low-density hollow microspheres to consider when choosing a microsphere for your application. Thermoplastic, glass, ceramic and phenolic beads represent the main family of microspheres from which to choose.

The challenge is determining which type will be the best choice for your application. This will depend on your process and the goal of your product characteristics.

For the following comparison, we are going to focus on Dualite thermoplastic microspheres vs. hollow glass microspheres:

Characteristics	Dualite® Expanded Microspheres	Glass Microspheres
true density	range from 0.03 g/cc to .135 g/cc	range from 0.125 g/cc to 0.60 g/cc
particle size	range is from 25 microns to 150 microns	range from 18 microns to 65 microns
temperature resistance	range from 250 F° to 350 F°	maximum temperature 1112 F°
pressure resistance	range from 2000 psi to 2500 psi	range from 250 psi to 28,000 psi
shear resistance	exceptionally shear resistant and sprayable	rigid and friable and can break during mixing and spraying

What’s Dualite’s ® Chemical Resistance?

Full Incompatibility

Partial Incompatibility

Stability

Dualite® microspheres

low molecular weight ketones – MEK, acetone
low molecular weight alcohols – methanol, ethanol
low molecular weight amide – DMF (dimethylformamide)

low molecular weight ketones – MEK, acetone
low molecular weight alcohols – methanol, ethanol
low molecular weight amide – DMF (dimethylformamide)

water
higher molecular weight alcohols and glycols (IPOH, ethylene glycol and above)
alkanes
aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, xylene)
chlorinated hydrocarbons (chloroform, perchloroethylene)

glass microspheres

compatible with all solvents

Based on the comparisons above, both Dualite® thermoplastic microspheres and glass microspheres have their strengths and weaknesses. If you need an ultra low-density material that is shear stable, flexible and sprayable, look no further than Dualite microspheres. On the other hand, if you need a high- pressure, chemical-resistant microsphere, choosing glass microspheres is the way to go.

If you would like a more in-depth consultation regarding your needs please contact us.

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