What is Expandable Microsphere?

 Brief Introduction of Expandable Microsphere

The color of the expandable microspheres is white. Its average particle size is 10-30 μm. Its average density is about 1100 kg / m 3 . It has a thermoplastic shell comprising a low boiling liquid hydrocarbon. When the thermoplastic shell is softened at elevated temperatures, the increased pressure of the hydrocarbon will cause the microspheres to expand 40 to 100 times. When the internal pressure of the microsphere, the shell tension and the external pressure reach equilibrium, the microspheres no longer expand. Expandable microspheres have become the world's lightest application because the density of expanded microspheres is less than 30 kg / m3 (0.03 g / cm3).

 

Characteristics of Expandable Microsphere

The first feature is cost savings.

In thermoplastic materials such as PR, PP, PVC, PET, TPR, TPU, TPV, PA and paper/paperboard, expandable microspheres can be used as lightweight fillers and blowing agents. Expandable microspheres reduce product density, reduce volume, and reduce transportation costs. 30kg PVC or 25-30kg paper fiber can be replaced with 1kg expandable microspheres. Expandable microspheres can be used in many fields, including soles, wood-plastic composites, automotive parts, paper and cardboard, nonwovens, coatings, and the like.

 

The second feature is low density.

The heat density of the expandable microspheres is reduced. Add 3 Å of expanded microspheres to the material to reduce the material density by 10%. Or adding 1% unexpanded microspheres reduces the density by 10%. Product density is reduced but its volume and thickness do not increase. It helps to reduce the energy consumption of the car. It makes the sole lighter and more comfortable. It is widely used in the following products: soles, wood-plastic composites, auto parts, non-woven fabrics, ultra-light clay, etc.

 

The third feature is surface modification.

Microspheres of different particle sizes have different surface effects. The small particle size of 5 μm makes the surface smooth. Large particle size microspheres can produce relatively rough surfaces. 3D and a special cashmere surface make the surface smooth, soft and non-slip. It is widely used in the following materials: printing inks, leather coatings, paper and cardboard.

 

The fourth feature is insulation.

The microspheres have good insulation, sound insulation, electrical insulation and low water permeability because of their uniform closed cell structure. Because of this property, it can be used in the following products: wine stoppers, auto parts, crack fillers, silicon. Rubber, emulsion explosives, cables, etc.

 

The fifth feature is flexibility.

The expandable microspheres are elastic. It is a thermoplastic core-shell microsphere. It can be compressed under a certain pressure, or it can be restored to its original state. It can therefore be used in the following products: wine corks, automotive interiors, silicone rubber, leather coatings, cables and more.

 

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