New Solutions

3M™ Glass Bubbles K15HSN

for Design & Construction Applications

3M™ Glass Bubbles K15HSN

3M™ Glass Bubbles K15HSN are hollow soda-lime borosilicate microspheres. A new and improved grade in the 3M™ Glass Bubbles portfolio. At 0.15 g/cc they are around one-sixth the density of water, while an isostatic pressure rating of 600 psi at 80% survival gives an optimal balance of strength and low density. The 40 µm d50 particle size supports a smooth, paintable finish in paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and repair compounds.

Product Profile*

PropertyTypical Value
Density0.15 g/cc
Isostatic Pressure600 psi
Survival80%
Particle Size d5040 µm
Top Size d9580 µm

* The values indicated are typical properties and are not intended for specification purposes.

Overview

Lightweight additive

High strength-to-density ratio

Surface finish support

Thermal management potential

Support density reduction in construction, paints and coatings applications.

Designed with an optimal balance of strength and low density.

Small particles can help create a smoother paintable surface finish in repair compounds.

In exterior coatings, K15HSN can help provide high solar reflectance, good thermal insulation and surface protection.

Application Areas

  • Exterior paints and coatings — can provide high solar reflectance, UV resistance and good thermal insulation
  • Interior paints — offers potential for higher solids and lower VOC levels, with improved anti-condensation characteristics and thermal comfort
  • Sealants, adhesives and fillers — helps minimise cracking, sagging and shrinkage
  • Repair compounds — helps create a smoother, paintable surface finish with lightweighting benefits
  • Energy-efficient exterior coating concepts — supports customers’ sustainability goals and can potentially lower cooling costs

Key Customer Challenges

Heat and Weather Exposure

  • High temperatures on roofs and exterior walls
  • Weather exposure and infrared rays
  • Need for better thermal management

Weight, Sagging and Cracking

  • Challenges in sealants, adhesives and repair compounds
  • Need to reduce weight while maintaining workability
  • Minimise sagging, shrinkage and cracking

Surface Finish and Formulation Efficiency

  • Need for smoother, paintable surface finish
  • Potential for higher solids and lower VOC levels
  • Improved hiding and bright white appearance

How 3M™ Glass Bubbles K15HSN Can Help

  • High Solar Reflectance & Thermal Insulation In exterior coatings, K15HSN can help provide high solar reflectance, good thermal insulation and surface protection.
  • Weight Reduction K15HSN helps reduce weight in sealants, adhesives and repair compounds while minimising sagging, cracking and shrinkage.
  • Bright White Appearance K15HSN provides a bright white appearance, offering excellent hiding with the potential for one-coat paint coverage.
  • Smoother, Paintable Surface Finish In repair compounds, small particles can help enable a smoother, paintable surface finish with lightweighting benefits.
  • Energy Efficiency Support In exterior coatings, K15HSN can help customers enhance energy efficiency, potentially reducing cooling or heating costs and supporting their sustainability goals.

Do you need help?

Our Regional Coating Innovation Center is the ideal place to get support. Our technical team can help you to test existing formulations and find new solutions. Send us a quick message and our experienced technicians will get directly in touch with you. 

Contact Us

FAQ:

  • What are 3M™ Glass Bubbles K15HSN? Hollow glass microspheres made from soda-lime borosilicate glass, with 0.15 g/cc density, 600 psi isostatic pressure at 80% survival, a 40 µm d50 particle size and 80 µm top size, used as a lightweight functional filler in paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and repair compounds.
  • What is the density of K15HSN? 0.15 g/cc — roughly one-sixth the density of water — allowing weight reduction without volume-inefficient fillers.
  • How strong are K15HSN glass bubbles? K15HSN is rated at 600 psi isostatic pressure with 80% survival, giving a high strength-to-density ratio relative to its 0.15 g/cc density.
  • What applications is K15HSN used in? Exterior and interior paints, sealants, adhesives and fillers, repair compounds, and energy-efficient exterior coating concepts.
  • How do glass bubbles improve energy efficiency in exterior coatings? They contribute high solar reflectance and lower thermal conductivity, reducing heat transfer through roofs and walls and potentially lowering cooling demand.
  • Where can I buy K15HSN in Southeast Asia? Jebsen & Jessen Ingredients distributes 3M™ Glass Bubbles in Southeast Asia with technical support from its Regional Coating Innovation Center.

Related Articles & Trends