3M Advanced Materials Division
3M™ Ceramic Microspheres
Introduction Material Description (Not for specification purposes.)
3M™ Ceramic Microspheres are Property 3M™ Ceramic Microspheres
unique, semi-transparent, white-
Shape Uniquely shaped fillers
colored, fine particle size, high-
strength microspheres. Formulating Composition Alkali Alumino Silicate Ceramic
to low VOC is a major driving factor Color, unaided eye White
in the coatings industry. Our ceramic
microspheres are used by formulators
Typical Physical Properties (Not for specification purposes.)
to reduce VOC levels; increase filler
loadings; improve hardness; and add Property 3M™ Ceramic Microspheres
burnish, scrub and abrasion resistance
True density (g/cc) 2.4 (20.0 lbs/gal)
to a variety of coating formulations.
Bulk density (g/cc) 1.5 (12.6 lbs/gal)
Due to the ceramic chemistry of these
products, they are also UV transparent Whiteness (“L” Value) 90+ (Hunter L,a,b scale)
down to 250 nm and have utility Crush strength, 80% survival by volume (psi) > 4,200 kg/cm2 (> 60,000 psi)
in radiation-curable and thin-film pH (at 5 wt% loading in water) 9.0 – 12.0
powder coatings.
Hardness 6 (Mohs scale)
3M Ceramic Microspheres
™ Softening point 1,020°C (1,870°F)
Formulating Information Refractive index: Predominant 1.53
Dielectric constant 3.19
3M ceramic microspheres are best
dispersed by using sand, ball and UV light transmission UV Transparent down to 250 nm
roller mills. For optimal dispersion, Thermal conductivity (W/mK) 2.3
microspheres should be added to 3M Advanced Materials product realization process and manufacturing sites are aligned to ISO 9001
the grind stage along with pigments Quality Systems. Test data is generated by following documented procedures and test methods.
and other filler materials. Use of a
dispersant can aid in the wet-out
and dispersion of these products. Typical Physical Properties (Not for specification purposes.)
Product Safety Property
3M™ Ceramic Microspheres
and Handling th
W-210 W-410 W-610
90 Percentile 12 21 32
lease read and follow the
P Particle size th
precautions and directions for use 50 Percentile 6 9 13
(microns)
in the product label and Safety Data
th
10 Percentile 2 2 2
Sheet before using this product. Oil absorption* 46 44 28
Safety Data Sheets for this product *gm oil/100cc microspheres
are available from 3M Customer
Service at 800-367-8905 or from
your local 3M sales representative.
Additional Information
3M™ Ceramic Microspheres are
supported by global sales, technical
and customer service resources,
with fully-staffed technical
service laboratories in the U.S.,
Europe, Japan, Latin America and
Southeast Asia. Users benefit from
3M’s broad technology base and
continuing attention to product
development, performance, safety
and environmental issues.
For additional technical information
on 3M ceramic microspheres in the
United States, call 3M Advanced
Materials Division, 800-367-8905.
For other 3M global offices,
and information on additional
3M products, visit our web site at:
www.3M.com/paintsandcoatings.
Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use
and performance of a 3M product in a particular application. User is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit
for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s method of application. User is solely responsible for evaluating third party intellectual property rights
and for ensuring that user’s use of 3M product does not violate any third party intellectual property rights. Unless a different warranty is specifically
stated in the applicable product literature or packaging insert, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at
the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF
TRADE. If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product
or refund of the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability: Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damages arising from the 3M product, whether direct,
indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
Technical Information: Technical information, recommendations, and other statements contained in this document or provided by 3M personnel are
based on tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed. Such information
is intended for persons with knowledge and technical skills sufficient to assess and apply their own informed judgment to the information. No license
under any 3M or third party intellectual property rights is granted or implied with this information.
3M Advanced Materials Division 3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
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