At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we pride ourselves on offering materials with well-defined scientific principles and consistent quality. Hollow glass microspheres, particularly those based on borosilicate glass, are a prime example. Understanding their chemistry and manufacturing is key to appreciating their diverse applications.

Borosilicate glass, the primary material for these microspheres, is characterized by its high silica content (typically over 80%) and the presence of boron oxide. This composition grants it excellent chemical stability, lower thermal expansion compared to soda-lime glass, and good resistance to thermal shock. These inherent properties are crucial for the microspheres' performance in demanding environments.

The manufacturing process for hollow glass microspheres is a complex chemical and physical transformation. Typically, molten borosilicate glass is atomized or spray-dried to create fine droplets. These droplets are then heated at high temperatures (around 700-800 degrees Celsius) where the outer layer melts and traps an inert gas or air, forming the hollow sphere. The rapid cooling then solidifies the glass shell. The precise control over temperature, feed rate, and cooling is essential to achieve the desired particle size, wall thickness, and crush strength.

The resulting hollow glass microspheres possess a unique set of properties directly stemming from their composition and structure. Their extremely low true density (often between 0.18 and 0.60 g/cm³) and bulk density make them ideal for lightweighting applications. The hollow interior, combined with the robust borosilicate shell, provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning they can withstand significant compressive forces relative to their mass. This is critical for applications in oilfield cementing and high-stress composites.

Chemically, these microspheres are inert, resisting degradation in most chemical environments, which is vital for their use in coatings, plastics, and oilfield fluids. Their surface properties can also be modified with treatments, such as silane coatings, to enhance interfacial adhesion with various polymer matrices, further improving composite performance. The consistent quality and predictable behavior of borosilicate hollow glass microspheres make them a reliable choice for industries demanding precision and reliability.

For businesses looking to integrate these advanced materials, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers access to high-quality borosilicate hollow glass microspheres, backed by a commitment to scientific excellence and consistent product performance.