PRIZMALITE Microspheres
™
Prizmalite solid glass microspheres represent a new micro particle-based, materials enhancement technology. Prizmalite microspheres function as enhancement pigments and impart visual, physical and economic benefits when incorporated into paints, inks or coatings for a wide range of applications. Prizmalite has developed and patented a range of proprietary coatings for application to its microspheres that are designed to deliver specific characteristics to further enhance the performance of Prizmalite products.
PRIZMALITE™'s SOLID GLASS MICROSPHERES
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Smallest clear glass microspheres manufactured in commercial volume
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The first and, to date, only solid glass microspheres small enough to be incorporated into thin film coatings (such as OEM automotive paint) without protrusion
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As a result of its proprietary coatings, the most efficient metallized microspheres for delivering retro reflectivity in powder coating, paint or textile ink applications.
Prizmalite microspheres are additives that on a cost-per-pound basis are less expensive than many of the pigments they replace. Because Prizmalite microspheres are solid and strong, they can be incorporated into a broad range of materials, such as water or solvent-based paints, plastics, vinyl, or powders, applied to virtually any substrate material, including metals, plastic or concrete, and applied using most application methods. Prizmalite microspheres will not shatter or shear when used in most high speed spray guns, extruders or powder coating chambers.
PRIZMALITE™ MICROSPHERE PRODUCTS
PRIZMALITE maintains a tight product focus based on five SKUs. Four of its products are made from recycled soda lime glass and one from barium titanate glass.
Prizmalite’s smallest sphere, the P2011SL, is made from recycled soda lime glass and manufactured to meet a tight distribution curve. Its average diameter is 3 to 6 microns, with a top size of 20 microns. The P2011SL is primarily used in applications where the film build is so thin [such as automotive paint] that only this small a sphere can fit without protrusion. The P2011SL is also used in the cosmetics industry to diffuse reflected light in products such as powders and foundations, and to reduce the “glazing” that hardens or cakes powders after exposure to face oil.
The P2015SL microsphere is the “work horse” of Prizmalite’s product line and was the first Prizmalite product validated for use in OEM auto paint. The P2015SL is a recycled soda lime glass microsphere that improves clarity of color, creating a multi-dimensional effect when it surrounds pigments or metallic additives. The P2015SL microsphere has a mean size of 8 to 12 microns, and a top size of 36 microns. The P2015SL sphere can be incorporated into solvent or water-based paints and coatings, plastics, inks and certain cosmetic formulations.
The P2050SL is designed to be another “work horse” product, with the broadest size distribution of any Prizmalite SKU. The P2050SL provides the same benefits of color enhancement and consistent color from any viewing angle as Prizmalite’s smaller spheres, but its larger average diameter of 35 to 45 microns makes it effective as an anti-mottling agent and flow enabling ingredient in heavier or thicker film coatings or paints such as latex architectural paint.
The P2075SL shares the characteristics of the P2050SL, but has a larger average diameter of 65 to 75 microns. Its larger average diameter promotes the use of the P2075SL as a flatting agent in industrial applications, such as paints or coatings, where a matte appearance is desired.
The P2453BTA is the only Prizmalite microsphere made of barium titanate glass. Barium titanate glass has a higher Refractive Index [RI] than soda lime glass: 1.9 compared to 1.5. The Refractive Index of a material measures the degree a ray of light bends when it moves from one medium to another. Its practical significance is that it indicates how light will reflect back to the viewer. Barium titanate glass with its higher RI will reflect back more directly to the viewer than soda lime glass, which will scatter to some degree. This direct reflection is particularly important for applications when retro reflectivity is desired, such as guard rails, traffic signs or reflective tape or clothing.
The P2453BTA microsphere is hemispherically coated with aluminum. The "bounce" of directed light off the aluminum-coated half of the sphere produces the retro reflective effect that provides high visibility in dark conditions.