Potters Europe
Engineered Glass Materials Division
Potters Europe is the European division of Potters Industries LLC., the largest producer of glass microspheres in the
world, with a global network of 25 production plants throughout Europe, North and South America and Australasia.
From production plants strategically located close to our customers throughout Europe, Potters supplies
performance Glass Microspheres for a variety of applications, throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Africa and
the Middle East.
For some years, Potters Europe has been researching and developing Glass Microspheres for use in the functional
fillers industry, and as a result, the company launched its Engineered Glass Materials Division (EGM), complete with
a Technical Centre. This innovation provides expert engineers offering technical support, training, state-of-the-art
equipment for research and development, and a sales force dedicated solely to the industry
Glass Microspheres Technology
Solid and Hollow Glass Microspheres are unique additives for thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems. Glass
Microspheres are smooth, hard and offer excellent chemical resistance as well as outstanding processing and
physical properties. Potters Europe can offer Solid Microspheres in both Soda-Lime (A) and Borosilicate (E) Glass and
Hollow Microspheres in various proprietary compositions.
Borosilicate is chosen for its very low sodium content and low coefficient of
thermal expansion. Formulators in Automotive, Aerospace, Chemical,
Electronic, Industrial, Engineering and other industries are using Microspheres
to enhance performance and reduce reject rates in production. Solid Glass
Microspheres have an outstanding record of improving thermoplastic and
thermoset properties. Recently, significant density reductions are possible
with the latest Hollow Glass Microsphere technology
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Chemical Properties
Electrical Properties
Thermal Properties
Properties
Soda-Lime ‘A’ Glass
Borosilicate ‘E’ Glass
Refractive Index
Specific Gravity
Young Modulus
Rigidity Modulus
Poisson’s rations
pH at 25 oC
% Wt loss, 1 hr H2O boil
Dielectric Constant, 22oC, 106Hz
Loss Tangent, 22oC, 106Hz
Softening point, oC
Expansion Coeff. oC*10-7
1.51
2.5 g/сm3
6.89 x 104 N/mm2
2.6 x 104
0.21
11-12
11.1
6.9
0.0085
740
90
1.55
2.54 g/сm3
6.89 x 104 N/mm2
2.96 x 104
0.21
8-9
1.7
5.8
0.0010
846
28
Process Benefits

Smooth surface and efficient shape

Lowest surface to volume ratio

Ultra high loading capacity

Low resin mix viscosity


Excellent mould flow
Uniform dispersion

Lower tool wear than mineral fillers

Lower moulding pressures
Product Benefits

Unique “ball-bearing” spherical shape

Low uniform shrinkage

Low warpage

Density reduction

High flexural modulus

High abrasion resistance

High compressive strength

Increased surface hardness

Insulation against sound and heat


Improved stress distribution
Excellent bonding to resins

Chemically resistant

Compatible with Food contact regulations

Low coefficient of thermal expansion

Smooth surface finish
moulded section. Accordingly, elastic modulus and strength
are significantly improved. Surface treatment has also been
shown to improve melt viscosity, most likely due to improved
wetting
Microspheres are available with coatings of three different
coupling agents – CP01, CP02 and CP03; all are formulated for
optimum performance within specific resin systems.
Product Range - Solid Glass Microspheres
Spheriglass® Performance Enhancing Microspheres
Solid Glass Microspheres provide a unique additive for
thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems. Their multiple
benefits, including enhanced processing and reduced
manufacturing costs and outlined below.
Spheriglass® Solid Glass Microspheres are light, hard and
smooth. They offer excellent chemical resistance, low oil
absorption and are used in Automotive, Electrical, Household
Appliance, Adhesives, Packaging, Paint, and Construction
industries.
High Resin Displacement
The precise geometry of Spheriglass® microspheres allows
them to disperse evenly, pack closely, and wet out easily in
the compound, permitting very high filler loadings.
Low Shrinkage & Warpage
High loadings of glass microspheres add significantly to the
Solid and Hollow glass microspheres are extensively used in dimensional stability of finished products by reducing
most thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems as an shrinkage and improving part flatness.
inorganic functional filler and reinforcement. When the
microspheres are used, process-ability and resin composite Better Moulded Parts
performances are enhanced, while overall manufacturing Glass Microspheres product superior finished product
characteristics in many resin systems. High loadings can
costs are reduced.
Interfacial Bonding, between increase flexural modulus, increase abrasion resistance,
the glass beads and the increase surface hardness and improve stress distribution.
polymer can be enhanced by
the use of a coupling agent Dimensional Stability
(coating). These agents are Better stress distribution is achieved from the use of a
being applied to the spherically shaped particle. With glass microspheres, the
microspheres
during stress pattern is regular and predictable, showing less
manufacture, in molecular localised stress concentrations.
.
layers to obtain maximum
adhesion. This improved
bonding manifests itself in
improved properties of the
Coupling Agent Coatings
IRREGULAR PARTICLE
FIBRE
Birefringence patterns show stress patterns in resin
surrounding different shapes of filler particles.
Note uniform stress patterns around the microsphere
Typical Properties of Spheriglass®
Properties
Spheriglass® Glass Microspheres
Bulk Density
2.54 g/сm3
Refractive Index
1.51
Mean Particle Size Range
(µm)
3.5 - 800
Colour, Physical Form
White, Free-Flowing Powder
Spheriwhite® Colour Enhancing Microspheres
Spheriwhite® has been developed for a range of markets
where colour is important. These include “white-goods” in
household appliances, leisure and medical equipment, and
for the paints and coatings industry.. It is a result of several
years of research and testing, using the expertise of the
engineers at the EGM Technical Centre. A specific process
has been researched, developed, and now patented.
Spheriwhite® Solid Glass Microspheres controls the
whiteness of a polymer in its final product where there is no
pigment, and enhances the colour where there is a pigment
present. Spheriwhite® is also cost-effective: it can be used in
conjunction with expensive alternate pigment whiteners that
are currently used to enhance colour or to whiten, therefore
cutting manufacturing costs as well as improving overall
appearance.
MICROSPHERE
Sub-sieves Ultra Fines Microspheres
Sub-sieves joins the growing range of performances functional
fillers, supplied by Potters Europe and is suitable for a range
of markets where colour is important and very fine controlled
top cut is critical. These include Masterbatch for BoPP Films,
Food packaging, Coatings for laminates, Wood varnishes, Top
coat/gel coat, coil coiling, thin film decorative paints, light
diffusion films and Agricultural Film among others.
Based on the same technology platform as our Spheriglass
solid microspheres, these highly calibrated grades ensure a
tight control of particle size and ensure that no particles are
above a given threshold.

Glass composition and impervious surface of the
microspheres improve film integrity and durability

They contribute to an effective barrier against
corrosion, chemicals, reducing surface porosity

They are typically used to improve hardness, add
burnish, scrub and abrasion resistance

They give minimum impact in clear coatings. Gloss
level could be controlled by loading ratio

Due to the chemistry, they are also UV transparent and
have utility in radiation-curable and thin film powder
coatings

They also block shrinkage and Warpage and enhance
impact strength
μm
Spheriglass 7010
Spheriglass 7025
D 50
2–3
8 – 11
D 95
6–8
16 – 19
D 100
10
25
Product Range - Hollow Microspheres
Q-Cel® Ultra-Light Weight Reducing Microspheres
Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres offer the opportunity to
manufacture low-density products with enhanced properties
and performance. These performance microspheres are
engineered speciality functional fillers that significantly
reduce density and enhance mechanical properties.
Q-Cel® products have a density of approximately one-fifth
that of most thermosetting
resins. On an equal weight
basis, the Q-Cel® Hollow
Microspheres occupy about
five times more volume than
the resin, which can reduce
compound weight, reduce VOC
content and cost. They also
provide
other
desirable
properties, such as increased
impact resistance, improved
finishing characteristics and
better thermal shock resistance and are formulated with a
proprietary fired glass composition.
Applications include automotive repair compounds,
mouldings and thin-films as low as 4 mils. These
Microspheres used alone or in combination with other QCel® Hollow Microspheres or conventional fillers, will
provide maximum filler loadings and low compound
densities at the desired viscosity. Samples in sufficient
quantity for testing are available upon request.
Potters Europe offer a range of Q-Cel® Hollow Microspheres
for applications with moderate pressure and shear.
Formulators may choose Q-Cel® Microspheres according to
working pressure and desired density. These single-cell
particles are white, free-flowing, have a hydrophobic coating
and are used in many markets such as Automotive as car
putty, Construction in cultured marble applications, and
Mining as a sensitizer for explosives
Typical Properties of Q-Cel® Lightweight products
6014.k
6019.k
6717
7023S.k
5028.k
Bulk Density, Untamped (g/cm3)
0.08
0.10
0.11
0.13
0.16
Effective Density, Liquid Displacement (g/cm3)
0.14
0.19
0.19
0.23
0.25
Mean Particle Size (µm)
<105
<80
<52
<85
<75
Particle Size Range D90 (µm)
<190
<150
<105
<135
<120
Colour, Physical Form
White, Free-Flowing Powder
Typical Properties of Q-Cel® High-Strength Products
6036
7040S
6042S
6048
Bulk Density, Untamped (g/cm3)
0.21
0.26
0.26
0.27
Effective Density, Liquid Displacement (g/cm3)
0.35
0.40
0.42
0.47
Mean Particle Size (µm)
<70
<60
<60
<60
Particle Size Range D90 (µm)
<115
<95
<100
<105
1000 / 6.8
2000 / 13.8
2000 / 13.8
3000 / 20.7
Maximum Working Pressure (psi/Mpa)
Colour, Physical Form
White, Free-Flowing Powder
Sphericel® Ultra-Fine Weight Reducing Microspheres
Sphericel®
Hollow
Glass
Microspheres are made from a
very
strong
waterproof
proprietary glass composition
and are characterised by a
higher strength/density ratio.
They provide all benefits of
solid glass microspheres plus
the ability to reduce parts
density.
Sphericel
are
designed to withstand high
pressure and shear. The extra
fine size distribution givens enhanced properties to
thermoplastics and thermoset parts as well as to paints,
coatings and other applications. Their special features include:
Improved Mould Flow Properties – Addition of Sphericel®
with its unique “ball-bearing” shape, reduces the viscosity of
most resin mixes, resulting in increased mould flow. The
process ability is improved and throughput is increased. In
fibre-reinforced systems, the spherical particle disorients
directional orientation of the fibres and enhances the
reinforcement benefit.
Appearance
White Powder
Composition
Fused Borosilicate Glass
Shape
Spherical, Hollow, non porous
Colour Value
White (min 90.0 L value on dry powder)
Hardness
6 Moh’s scale
Chemical
Resistance
Low alkali leach, insoluble in water
Shape - Microspheres have the lowest surface to volume ratio
of any particle shape, so they exhibit the lowest resin
demand. In addition, they act like little ball-bearings,
contributing to easier application and enhanced flow and
levelling.
Strength - The high crush resistance of Sphericel® enables
them to be processed in conventional mixing and dispersing
equipment.
Enhanced Physical Properties - The high surface hardness and
inert composition of glass microspheres serve to impart wear,
stain and chemical resistance to the finished product
Inert Composition – Sphericel® Microspheres will not dissolve
in water or react with solvents, organic chemicals, acids or
alkalis.
Dimensional Stability - The use of Glass Microspheres to
Weight Reduction – Sphericel® Microspheres displace the
reduce shrinkage and impart dimensional stability is well
same volume of resin as solid glass spheres of the same size,
known in the plastics industry. The spherical particle
but are significantly lighter.
distributes stresses evenly, resulting in significantly reduced
product warpage.
Safety – Sphericel® Hollow Microspheres are amorphous glass
products. For complete safety and handling instructions,
Density - When used to displace an equal weight of mineral
please consult our Material Safety Data Sheets.
filler or pigment, Hollow Glass Microspheres will occupy a
larger volume than the material they replace. This displaces
Survives Moulding Pressure - A significant advantage of
solvent in the formulated product, reducing VOC’s.
Sphericel® 110P8 is the ability to withstand high pressure
moulding applications with insignificant sphere breakage.
Colour & Opacity - Sphericel® Hollow Glass Microspheres are
uniformly white in colour. They can reduce the use of white
Typical Product Properties
pigments such as titanium oxide, without loss of whiteness or
hiding.
Typical Properties of Sphericel® Ultra-fines Hollow Microspheres
Grade
Density
(g/сm3)
Particle Size (µm)
(Malvern Laser Analyser)
Maximum Working Pressure
(isostatic)
Bulk
True
D10
D50
D90
D97
Psi
Bar
Mpa
110P8
0.49
1.1
5
10
21
25
10,000
689
69
60P18
0.32
0.6
9
19
33
36
8,000
552
55
45P25
0.26
0.45
12
21
34
38
4,000
276
28
34P30
0.22
0.34
20
38
60
68
3,000
207
21
25P45
0.14
0.25
24
46
72
81
750
52
52
Product/
Service
Information
Other Product Range:
Sphericel® Ultra-Fine Hollow Glass Microspheres
Spheriglass® Performance-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres
Spheriwhite® Colour-Enhancing Solid Glass Microspheres
Luxsil® Cosmetic Microspheres
Spacer Beads Solid Glass Microspheres for the bonding lines
A & P series Technical Quality Solid Glass Microspheres
Q-Cel® ONG Hollow Microspheres for Oil Well Cementing
Medisphere® Glass Microspheres for Medical Applications
Glassfill® Ultra fine Powdered Glass
For further information about our range of Solid & Hollow Glass Microspheres, please contact us:
Potters Europe
Information contained in this publication (and otherwise supplied to users) is
based on our general experience and is given in good faith, but we are unable to
accept the responsibility in respect of factors which are outside our knowledge
or control.
Potters Europe (EGM Division), Potters Hollow Spheres & Potters Europe are
trading names of Potters Ballotini Limited
Q-Cel®, Sphericel®, Spheriglass®, Spheriwhite® and Luxsil® are registered
trademarks of Potters Industries LLC.
Pontefract Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire S71 1HJ
United Kingdom+44 (0)1226 704 516
Fax: +44 (0)1226 207 615
E-mail: [email protected]
www.potterseurope.com
Ref: 3-08-001-1-07