Functional Additives

The Next Evolution of Construction Materials with Microspheres

Posted by Mark Elve on Jun 17, 2022 1:53:11 PM
Mark Elve
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The construction industry is constantly advancing the development of materials to make them lighter, affordable, durable, resistant, and greener.

The increasing use of microspheres in raw materials greatly contributes to this.

Polymeric microspheres come in a variety of densities, micron sizes, and strengths and can be used in a multitude of construction products.  These ultra-low density, lightweight fillers provide several added benefits in construction materials like improved physical properties and cost reductions.  There have secondary benefits like reducing product weight which lowers shipping costs and reduces fatigue when manually handling materials. 

Polymeric Microspheres can be purchased in unexpanded and expanded forms.  Expanded microspheres are typically added into processes that do not use heat.  Unexpanded microspheres require heat in your process and can be used as an alternative to blowing agents.

Also read: Not All Microspheres Are Created Equal

Some of the other common benefits of polymeric microspheres in construction materials are:

  • lower density
  • reduced cost
  • improves impact resistance
  • adds insulative value
  • reduces cracking
  • increases solids content
  • less shrinkage and quicker cure

Also read: How to Lower Energy Costs Using Microspheres

 

Below are a number of construction products that can use expanded microspheres.

  • Portland Cements
  • Roof coatings
  • Sealants
  • Polyurethane and other adhesives
  • Epoxies
  • Patching compounds
  • Polyesters and Vinyl esters
  • FRP
  • And many others
  • Insulation
  • Spray foams
  • Flooring underlayment
  • Powdered coatings
  • Any many more

 

Based on your product/application Chase can help you choose the right microsphere.   You can also access our product brochure which can be used to help you choose which Dualite product is right for your applications.

Grab the Brochure

Topics: Expanded Microspheres, Unexpanded Microspheres, construction