Microspheres Online

Everything about microspheres and research utilizing precision spherical particles.

Microspheres in Cosmetics – Solid Polymer Microspheres for Color Effects

A recent article on microspheres in Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine describes the use Solid Polyethylene Mirospheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics. Microspheres 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 … Read more

Exfoliating Beads: Clinical Study

Exfoliating beads have a long history in cosmetics, but we are unaware of previous studies on the effect of their regular use. A clinical study with 10 subjects shows that regular exfoliation leads to a reduction in the cell turnover time of the stratum corneum (SC) by about 15% (significant at the 95% level)

What is a Microsphere? Definition and Explanation.

Sourcing Microspheres - Monodisperse Silica
Conductive Bondline Spacer - Silver-Coated Silica Spheres
Conductive Bondline Spacer – Silver-Coated Silica Microspheres (Cospheric Product ID: SiO2MS-Ag)

Definition of a Microsphere:

There is a lot of confusion and uncertainty in the academic community as well as the industry on exactly what is a microsphere. Below is the definition of “microsphere” that we use, because it is clear and straight-forward:

Microsphere is a term used for a small solid spherical particle, with diameter in the micrometer range (typically 1 micron to 1000 micron (1mm)).

What a Microsphere is Not:

A microsphere is not the same as a microcapsule, because microcapsules typically consist of a flexible (deformable) shell encapsulating a fluid, which might be liquid or gas. Microspheres always have a solid shell. Even if the microsphere is technically hollow (containing gas inside), its shape is not significantly flexible or deformable.

A microsphere is not the same as a microparticle, because microparticle is a general term that refers only to the size of the granular material and does not provide information on the shape. Microspheres are always round and spherical. There are no sharp edges, oblong shapes, or debris.

What are Nanospheres? Silica Nanospheres
Monodisperse Silica Nanospheres (Cospheric Product ID: SiO2MS)

A microsphere is not the same as a nanopshere, because nanospheres have diameters on the nanoscale (typically between 1 nanometer and 1000 nanometers (1 micron)). Nano-diameters present a complete different characteristics, behaviors, and functionalities.

What are Microsphere Materials:

Microspheres are manufactured from various natural and synthetic materials. Glass microspheres, polymer microspheres, and ceramic microspheres are commercially available. Solid and hollow microspheres vary a lot in density and, therefore, are used for different applications. Hollow microspheres are typically used as additives to lower the density of a material. Solid microspheres have numerous applications depending on what material they are constructed of and what size they are.

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