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3M™ Hollow Glass Microspheres – Grade iM16K are ultra-high crush strength hollow glass microspheres engineered for applications demanding maximum strength retention with significant weight reduction. With a 16,000 psi crush strength (90% survival), iM16K is designed for structural and semi-structural construction systems where conventional lightweight fillers fail under load.
In construction applications, iM16K enables the development of lightweight, durable cementitious and polymer-modified materials—including non-shrink grouts, repair mortars, overlay systems, precast components, and protective coatings—while improving application efficiency and supporting thermal performance through its air-filled microstructure.
Zeolite Silver Antimicrobial Powder/ Ag-Zeolite Powder
1318-02-1
215-283-8
3824.99.00
not classified as dangerous goods
2.1–2.3 g/cm³
4–5
0.1%
iM16K is ideal for grouts requiring low density and high compressive performance.
Use cases:
Base-plate and machinery grouts
Anchoring and structural void filling
Precast erection grouts where weight and strength both matter
Used in repair mortars where reduced dead load and improved crack resistance are required.
Use cases:
Vertical and overhead repair mortars
Polymer-modified repair compounds
Spall repair and rehabilitation systems
iM16K enables lightweight cementitious toppings for renovation and load-sensitive structures.
Use cases:
Lightweight leveling screeds
Roof slabs and refurbishment toppings
Industrial overlays requiring strength retention
Supports lightweight precast products while retaining dimensional stability.
Use cases:
Lightweight panels and architectural elements
Cement boards and specialty components
Cast parts where weight reduction improves handling
Applicable in high-build coatings where lightweighting and barrier enhancement are required.
Use cases:
Epoxy/PU protective coatings for concrete and steel
Thermal barrier and insulating coating layers
Specialty trowel-applied protective systems
| Property | Typical Value / Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 3M™ Glass Bubbles iM16K |
| Product Type | Hollow glass microspheres (soda-lime borosilicate) |
| Appearance | White, free-flowing powder |
| True Density | 0.46 g/cc |
| Bulk Density (Tapped) | 0.25 – 0.30 g/cc |
| Bulk Density (Loose) | 0.15 – 0.20 g/cc |
| Isostatic Crush Strength | 16,000 psi |
| Particle Size (Median, D50) | 20 – 30 µm |
| Particle Size (Range) | 5 – 100 µm |
| pH (in water) | 9 – 10 |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Water Absorption | ≤ 0.5% |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~0.10 W/m·K |
| Softening Point | ~600 °C |
| Refractive Index | ~1.5 |
| Chemical Resistance | Good resistance to water; limited resistance to strong acids/alkalis |
iM16K’s high crush strength supports structural performance while significantly lowering density.
Reduces the weight of grouts, mortars, and overlays—especially important for renovation and precast handling.
Spherical particles enhance rheology, pumpability, and finishing.
Air-filled microspheres reduce thermal conductivity and help improve thermal efficiency.
Lower density systems can reduce internal stress build-up and help limit cracking tendency.
Inorganic glass chemistry offers excellent stability against moisture and chemicals.
Optimize dosage based on target density, compressive strength, and workability.
1 –5% replacement of conventional fillers/aggregates (by volume)
Balances flowability, density reduction, and compressive performance.
1 – 4% by volume of total dry mix (or aggregate replacement)
Helps reduce weight and improve application efficiency.
1 – 2% aggregate replacement (by volume)
Used to reduce dead load and improve thermal performance.
1 – 5% by volume of the coating formulation
Reduces density and improves barrier efficiency with improved spray/flow behavior.
Refer to SDS for complete safety information.