Product Overview

HS-4046   are polymer additives made from a water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass.

 Glass bubbles HS-4046  help to reduce weight, improve dimensional stability, reduce shrinkage and sink marks, and contribute to material and process cost savings. They may be ideal additive materials for applications in the automotive, heavy truck, aerospace, electrical, sports and leisure, electronics, appliance and durable goods industries, as well as in construction products such as polymer/wood composites and siding – helping not only to reduce part weight, but also to improve dimensional stability and nail-ability.

Material Description

Typical Physical Properties (Not for specification)

Formulating Information

Flow Properties

HS-4046 will remain free-flowing for at least one year from the date of shipment when stored in the original, unopened container in accordance with the recommended storage conditions. (See below for storage recommendations.)

Glass Bubble Breakage

Breakage may occur if the product is severely processed. To minimize breakage, minimize exposure to high shear processes and to point contact shear, such as inter-meshing gear pumps, 2-roll and 3-roll mills.

Storage, Handling, and Safety

Storage Recommendations

 Ideal storage conditions include unopened cartons in a dry and temperature-controlled warehouse. Extended exposure of HS-4046 boxes to high humidity and/or conditions susceptible to condensation may result in some amount of “caking” of the glass bubbles. To minimize the potential for caking and thereby maximize storage life, the following suggestions are offered:

1. Carefully re-tie opened bags immediately after use.
2. If the polyethylene bag is punctured during shipping or handling, seal the hole as soon as possible or insert the contents into an undamaged bag.
3. During hot and/or humid months, store boxes in the driest,coolest space available.
4.  If controlled storage conditions are unavailable, carry a minimum inventory and process on a first in/first out basis.

Handling Recommendations

Due to the low weight and small particle size of HS-4046, dusting may occur while handling and processing. To minimize the dusting potential during handling, consider the following:

1.  Do not open glass bubbles packages until ready to use.
2.  Upon opening, have an air siphon near the opening to pull away airborne particles. (Dust collection equipment may be required – check local OSHA and other applicable regulations.)
3.  Remove glass bubbles with a suction “wand” (with slight positive pressure aeration) and transfer to a closed mixing tank inside fully contained piping. If a closed mixing tank is not available, use dust collection equipment as close as practical to the point of entry. Pneumatic conveyor systems have been used successfully to transport glass bubbles without dusting from shipping containers to batch mixing equipment. Equipment vendors should be consulted for recommendations. Static eliminators should be used to prevent static buildup.