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3M™ Glass Bubbles XLD3000 are ultra-low density, high-strength hollow glass microspheres manufactured from water-resistant and chemically stable soda-lime borosilicate glass. These glass bubbles are engineered to create strong, stable voids within polymer, coating and composite systems, enabling significant weight reduction, thermal insulation and acoustic damping without sacrificing mechanical integrity.
XLD3000 glass bubbles are particularly designed for applications such as deep-water syntactic foams, airless spray coatings, pipe and flowline insulation, and other systems where low thermal conductivity, buoyancy and compressive strength are critical. Their hollow spherical structure helps coatings and composites achieve the required compressive performance while maintaining low density.
In addition to lightweighting, 3M™ Glass Bubbles XLD3000 help to reduce noise, vibration and harmonics, lower thermal expansion, and contribute to overall material and process cost savings, making them suitable across a wide range of industrial markets.
Airless spray coatings
Thermal insulation coatings
Anti-corrosive and protective coatings
High-build industrial coatings
Wet pipe and flowline insulation
Subsea and offshore insulation systems
Lightweight insulation coatings for pipelines
Deep-water syntactic foams
Buoyancy modules and flotation materials
Marine and subsea composite structures
Thermoset plastics and rubber systems
Lightweight polymer compounds
Insulating and structural composite parts
Thermal insulation panels and coatings
Lightweight insulating composites
Acoustic and vibration-damping materials
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | Hollow spheres with thin walls |
| Composition | Soda-lime borosilicate glass |
| Color (unaided eye) | White, powdery |
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Crush Strength (90% survival, psi) | ~3,000 |
| True Density (g/cc) | ~0.23 |
| Packing Factor (bulk density / true density) | ~60% |
| pH (5 wt% in water) | ~9.5 |
| Average Particle Diameter (µm) | ~30 |
| Softening Point (°C) | ~600 |
| Flotation (density < 1.0 g/cc) | ~99% |
| Volatile Content (by weight) | ~0.5% |
3M™ Glass Bubbles XLD3000 will remain free-flowing for at least two years from the date of manufacture when stored in the original, unopened container under recommended storage conditions.
Breakage may occur if the product is subjected to severe processing conditions. To minimize breakage:
Avoid high-shear equipment
Minimize point-contact shear (e.g. gear pumps, 3-roll mills)
In extrusion processes, add the material downstream of the feed zone
Use gentle mixing and low-shear dispersion techniques wherever possible
3M Advanced Materials product realization processes and manufacturing sites are aligned with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. All test data is generated using documented procedures and standardized test methods.
XLD3000 Glass Bubbles are non-hazardous under normal industrial handling conditions. Avoid excessive dust generation. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves and dust masks. Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling and use.
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and contamination. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to maintain flowability and product integrity.