3M Hollow Glass Microspheres iM16K

High-Strength Hollow Glass Microspheres for Lightweight & Durable Cementitious Systems

3M™ iM16K Glass Bubbles are high-strength, hollow glass microspheres manufactured from soda-lime borosilicate glass, engineered to deliver significant density reduction while maintaining mechanical integrity. With a crush strength of 16,000 psi, iM16K represents one of the strongest grades of hollow glass microspheres available, making it suitable for structural and semi-structural construction systems.

In construction applications, iM16K glass bubbles are used to produce lightweight cementitious materials, grouts, repair mortars, panels, and specialty concretes, where reduced dead load, improved thermal properties, and controlled rheology are required without compromising strength.

General Characteristics

Synonyms

Zeolite Silver Antimicrobial Powder/ Ag-Zeolite Powder

CAS No.

1318-02-1

EC/EINECS

215-283-8

HS Code

3824.99.00

UN/Transport

not classified as dangerous goods

True density

2.1–2.3 g/cm³

Mohs hardness

4–5

Dosage

0.1%

Applications in Construction

Lightweight Cementitious Mortars

Lightweight repair mortars
Non-structural and semi-structural fills
Precast lightweight components

Grouts & Void Filling

Lightweight non-shrink grouts
Void filling and gap-filling applications
Equipment and base-plate grouting where weight reduction is critical

Concrete & Cement-Based Panels

Lightweight concrete panels
Sandwich panels and architectural elements
Precast building components

Flooring & Overlays

Lightweight screeds and toppings
Roof screeds and insulation layers
Polymer-modified cementitious overlays

Specialty Construction Materials

Fire-resistant and insulating concretes
Repair compounds for overhead and vertical applications

Properties

Property	Typical Value
Composition	Soda-lime borosilicate glass
Particle morphology	Hollow spheres
True density	~0.15 g/cc
Bulk density	~0.09 g/cc
Crush strength (90% survival)	~250 psi
Average particle size	~50 microns
Thermal conductivity	Very low (air-filled structure)
Combustibility	Non-combustible
Color	White

Benefits

Significant weight reduction

Replaces dense mineral fillers and aggregates to lower overall system density and dead load.

High strength retention

iM16K’s high crush strength allows lightweight formulations without excessive loss of compressive strength.

Improved workability and flow

Spherical particles reduce internal friction, improving mixing, pumping, and placement.

Enhanced thermal insulation

Entrapped air within the glass bubbles lowers thermal conductivity of cementitious systems.

Reduced shrinkage stress

Lower density and improved packing can help reduce shrinkage-related cracking in selected applications.

Durability and long service life

Glass chemistry is inert, non-combustible, and resistant to moisture and chemicals.

Typical Dosage Guidelines – Construction

Exact dosage depends on target density, strength requirements, and mix design. Laboratory trials are strongly recommended.

Lightweight Mortars & Repair Compounds

Dosage: 2– 5% by volume of total aggregate
Used to reduce weight while maintaining workable strength.

Lightweight Grouts & Void Filling

Dosage: 1% – 3% by volume
Enables flowable, low-density grouts with controlled strength.

Lightweight Concrete / Panels

Dosage: 3% – 5% by volume (aggregate replacement)
Achieves substantial density reduction for panels and precast elements.

Safety & Handling

3M™ iM16K Glass Bubbles are inorganic, non-toxic, and non-combustible under normal handling conditions.

Avoid excessive dust generation

Avoid inhalation of airborne powder

Recommended PPE

Safety goggles
Gloves
Dust mask or respirator during handling

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety guidance.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool, and covered area

Protect from moisture and mechanical damage

Keep bags tightly sealed after opening

Proper storage maintains particle integrity and flowability.

Packaging Information

Standard Packing

45Kg Box

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