Scotchlite Glass bubble

Description

[3M, St Paul, MN] A brand name for microscopic hollow glass spheres generally used as a lightweight filler. Glass bubbles are made from a soda-lime borosilicate glass that softens above 715C. The tiny, transparent bubbles, also called microballoons, visually appear as a free flowing white powder. Glass bubbles are made in diameters of 149 and 177 micrometers and are available in a range of densities from 0.12 to 0.41 grams per milliliter.

See also Microballoon.

Synonyms and Related Terms

microsphere; microballoon; glass sphere; microesferas de vidro (Port.)

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Size: 149-177 microns

Resources and Citations

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002