New directions with lightweight fillers in partnership with 3M
HOFFMANN MINERAL GmbH
We supply material for good ideas. | Functional fillers and more
HOFFMANN MINERAL has been working in cooperation with 3M for years to develop products based on hollow glass microspheres. It first started in the toll manufacturing business with modifying Glass Bubbles to improve the incorporation of the lightweight filler in the polymer matrix with still remaining good mechanical properties.
Moving forward with this project internally in a tolling setup, our relationship advanced to a close partnership with the purpose to exclusively promote 3M's hollow glass spheres as modified grades, which are distributed directly through HOFFMANN MINERAL. Hence, we are very proud to be Authorized Converter of 3M and their Glass Bubbles!
Huge variety of Glass Bubbles for different purposes and applications
The 3M manufactured hollow glass spheres of a soda-lime-borosilicate composition generally are differentiated by size (diameter of the sphere), wall thickness and crush strength (stability). Related to the application, especially the physical forces during processing, e.g. injection molding, the best fitting Glass Bubble should be picked. In general, the main purpose of using the hollow glass spheres is to reduce densitiy respectively weight of the compound. Furthermore, by replacing other raw materials (e.g. fillers or polymer) the potential reduced costs per volume of the compound can be beneficial.
At HOFFMANN MINERAL, the iM16k was commercialized first with different functionality modifications, such as amino and methacrylic. Nevertheless, a huge amount of different hollow glass spheres was already screened in our labs as well have been run through our production. Generally, we have access to all 3M Glass Bubbles and the authorization to exclusively modify and sell them directly or through our distributors worldwide.
As shown in the graphic above (Source: click here), the trend is moving towards a high strength-density of the 3M Glass Bubbles. Spheres such as the K15 to K25 (liquids, pastes and thermosets), the S28HS, S32HS and S38HS (extrusion) as well the iM16k and iM30k (injection molding), are suggested to be the most promising base materials in the near future. To determine the perfect Glass Bubble for your application, we are happy to connect you with our counterparts at 3M Advanced Materials!
Modification of hollow glass spheres
Different functional groups such as vinyl, alkyl, etc. can be applied to the base material for surface modification. These products are developed and manufactured directly at HOFFMANN MINERAL in Neuburg, Germany. The process itself is done in a batching aggregate with coupling the functionality additive covalently to the surface of the Glass Bubble. This provides a strong bond and provides a determined incorporation in the polymer matrix without further crosslinking or side effects, e.g. cleavage products.
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First presence together at K fair 2022
In October 2022, we decided to use this at the K fair 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany to dedicate one of our technical terminals to the Tailored Filler Solutions based on 3M's hollow glass spheres. These products are currently based on the iM16k with either an amino (Gloxil iM16k A) or methacrylic functionaliy (Gloxil iM16k MAM).
This first face-to-face opportunity after nearly three years of the absence of trade shows in Europe, was the perfect time for these products to be introduced in personal conversations. And, we are looking forward to more of such opportunities to come together with 3M!
Want to know more about modified Glass Bubbles by HOFFMANN MINERAL?
Want to know more about Glass Bubbles by 3M?
Stay tuned for future posts regarding the Tailored Filler Solutions to receive a better understanding on the products and where to use them!?