Summary of Benefits

ADVANTAGES	VALUE IN USE
Density and weight reduction	Volume displacement by low density functional filling material
Increased stiffness	Due to high compressive strength and optimum filling of interspacial voids
Improved impact resistance	Owing to its capacity to absorb and disperse energy within the binder matrix
Resin extension	Less resin or binder needed due to low surface area and spherical geometry of particles
Reduced shrinkage	Resulting from resin (binder) extension and particle size distribution
Reduced warpage (dimensional error)	Due to improved dimensional stability, reduced binder and less shrinkage
Improved thermal insulation	Ceramic composition and hollow structure enhances low thermal conductivity
High temperature resistance	High melting point, non-combustible nature and stability at high temperatures
Optimised pigmentation	Reduces white pigments costs and also formulation weight
Friendly water based formulas	Neutral pH, resulting in less or no need for coated pigments and neutralisers
Improved durability	Enhanced corrosion resistance and UV stability
Environmentally friendly	Eco-friendly alternative to polymer based spheres / beads
Easy formulation	Simple dispersion and incorporation into existing or new formulas

Adding value throughout the life cycle of end products

Lower formulation costs	Through resin extension and lower weight products
Transport and packaging costs	Lighter final product weight & less expensive packaging materials needed
Lower labour and installation costs	Easier handling of materials during production and faster and lighter to install components

Key Properties

FUNCTIONAL LOW DENSITY

Physical form of a free flowing powder
Low bulk density of 0.40 g/cc
Hollow structure
With a partial vacuum inside
Relative Density 0.8 g/cc
Particle size 20 – 500 microns (different grades available)
Over 94% floaters by volume

HIGH COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Isostatic pressure tests show over 70% rate of particle survival at 4,800 psi (33 MPa)
This is typically over 30% greater than other microspheres of similar density
And 20 times higher than expanded glass fillers

THERMAL RESISTANCE

Industry leading melting point at over 1700⁰C
Higher alumina content
Lower iron oxide content
Very low rate of thermal expansion (d) 8 x 10^-6
Super low conductivity of 0.1 W/m / ⁰C
Thermal insulation due to the thin wall section encapsulating a hollow (near vacuum) core

CHEMICALLY INERT

Due to its ceramic nature, E-SPHERES^® are an extremely unreactive substance
Resistant to most known chemicals such as solvents, organic chemicals, water, acid or alkalis
Compatible with both waterborne and solvent based resin systems
Neutral pH makes it cost effective and easy to use to formulate coatings and plasters

NON DANGEROUS GOODS

E-SPHERES^® have undetectable levels of crystalline silica/quartz (at the present detection limits for bulk silica of 1%) & are classified as a non-hazardous substance.

They are also:

Non combustible
Non toxic
Non flammable
Non reactive
Non corrosive

GEOMETRY & LOW ABSORPTION

Spherical shape maximises filling properties (volume) and minimised area of contact
For example: less resin to wet the surface
This is an advantage against most ground fillers or foam type glass spheres
Very low absorption optimises its resin extension qualities

E-SPHERES^® SL Series: Non absorbent and optimal geometry.

Expanded glass: random shape and porous structure, diminishing its filling properties.

COLOUR

E-SPHERES^® SL Series are whiter than any other HCM in the market thanks to their unique chemical properties
Also whiter than most lightweight fillers
Potential reduction of cost & weight due to less white pigments needed in formulations
Less TiO₂ required

A world of possibilities

E-SPHERES^® are an incredibly versatile additive, which also add value and improve performance of engineered materials and products.

Features and Benefits