High Index of Refraction Retroreflective Glass Microspheres

Barium Titanate Glass Microspheres are excellent for use as a functional retro reflective additive  to paints and coatings.  Spheres with sizes of about 50 micron (~0.002 inches) mean diameter provide a small enough size for most coatings while offering a large enough size to reflective a significant amount of light.  Barium Titanate Glass Spheres are offered in both partially aluminum coated retro-reflective version for addition into transparent coatings, or as uncoated glass spherical powder for uses in colored paints.

Barium Titanate Glass microbeads offers one of the highest indexes of refraction with an IR greater than 1.9 which provides high intensity retroreflectivity from these spheres.

For those applications calling for a high density filler, barium titanate glass spheres offer a density of 4.5g/cc, that is almost double that of the more common soda lime glass spheres.   In addition to a high density, barium titanate glass spheres have a hardness of about 55-65 on the Gardner scale and a crush strength of over 30,000 psi (207 Mpa) making these spheres very durable in high wear environments.

The spheres offered by Cospheric as product ID:  BTGMS (uncoated ) and P2453BTA (aluminized) are produced in the USA, and are Lead free.

Solid Polyethylene Microspheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics

A recent article in Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine describes the use Solid Polyethylene Mirospheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics.

Flesh Tone Microspheres - Color Matched to Skin Sample

Micropsheres have been used in cosmetics for some time, primarily as fillers and exfoliators. Most recently scientists started to utilize light reflecting properties of microspheres for creating unique optical effects, such as optical blurring and wrinkle filling.  Due to light scattering effects of the spherical surface, formulating with appropriate microspheres can minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone, due to optically reducing contrast on the skin.

The spherical shape and smooth surface of microspheres creates a low friction ball-bearing effect that gives formulations an elegant, silky feel. This ball-bearing effect promotes better blending on the skin and a more natural finish due to the enhanced slip, glide and omnidirectional spreadability, imparting a cream to powder texture. Outstanding roundness also provides lubrication during application, which enhances the tactile experience of a cosmetic product. Continue reading “Solid Polyethylene Microspheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics” »