Webinars

Polymer Composites with Hollow Glass Microspheres: Processing, Properties and Applications

Date: Nov. 6, 2012 – 11:00 AM CST

(Click here to check the time in your region)

Low-density, high-strength 3M™ Glass Bubbles can provide significant lightweighting and processing benefits for a variety of resin systems. Learn how to ensure microsphere survival in high-shear processes…shorten mold cycle times…and optimize materials for weight savings and other desirable properties with effective formulation guidelines.

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Engineered additives

3M™ Glass Bubbles are hollow microspheres made of chemically stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. These density-reducing additives help plastics manufacturers produce lighter weight parts in order to achieve stringent fuel economy targets for automotive and aerospace manufacturers. They also provide significant productivity benefits, including shorter cycle times, enhanced dimensional stability and less warpage – helping to reduce waste and improve throughput.

Polymer processing with glass bubbles

This seminar will address how to calculate optimal glass bubble loadings for your resin system and your process, from twin screw extrusion to injection molding. Learn how to fine-tune your process to ensure optimum glass bubble survival and improve

The effect of 3M glass bubbles on cooling from the melt

Effective composite formulation guidelines

Learn effective formulation strategies and tips to maintain an acceptable balance of weight, performance and processing characteristics for injection molded, thermoformed and extruded plastic parts.

Material benefits and applications

See how glass bubbles reduce shrinkage and warpage and contribute to fuel savings through part weight reduction. Learn about real-world success stories from a variety of industries, including automotive and aerospace, and see how 3M glass bubbles can help you “do more” in your application.

Your Presenter

Baris Yalcin, PhD
Product and Application Development Engineer
3M Company, St. Paul, MN / USA

Baris Yalcin is the Product and Application Development Engineer in the Energy and Advanced Materials Division at 3M Company, located in St Paul, MN, USA. He is responsible for the technical development of products and applications utilizing low density hollow glass microspheres (glass bubbles) for various markets including plastics and rubber. Prior to joining 3M Company, he worked at Akzo Nobel’s Marshall Paints and Coatings Plant in Turkey as a production engineer as well as Center Manager at The University of Akron’s State Funded Materials and Nanotechnology Research Centers. He holds a BS degree in chemical engineering and graduated with a PhD in polymer engineering at the University of Akron in Ohio/USA. He serves in the Editorial Board of Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting. He is also a board member for Polymer Modifiers and Additives Division of SPE serving as technical program chair at ANTEC.

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3M^™ Glass Bubbles in extruded impact PP

Identical automotive parts, one made with 3M glass bubbles (right) and one without (left). 3M glass bubbles can deliver final part weight reductions of 15% or more.

3M glass bubbles are used to help reduce weight, improve processing and enhance the physical properties of plastics in industries ranging from transportation to architectural materials and recreational products.