SIGRATHERM graphitized microballoons made by SGL Carbon are unique fillers for various composite materials. They were designed as special functional additives e.g. for polymers to form lightweight, strong and dimensionally stable composites meeting the demands of various applications in the aerospace, navy and high-temperature industries. In addition, SIGRATHERM microballoons can function as non-halogenated flame-resistant and thermal insulation fillers.
Benefits and properties
- Excellent temperature resistance
• in air up to 500 °C (932 °F)
• in inert gas atmosphere and vacuum up to 3000 °C (5432 °F) - Good strength to weight ratio
- Chemical inertness
- Narrow particle size distribution
- Low thermal conductivity
- Smooth surface
- Excellent compatibility e.g. with various resins
Manufacturing of SIGRATHERM hollow graphitized microspheres
Hollow phenolic resin microspheres are used as raw material to produce SIGRATHERM hollow microspheres. The phenolic beads are first carbonized and afterwards graphitized at 2000 °C (3632 °F) turning into graphitized microballoons with a carbon content of 99.8% and an average particle size of appr. 50 µm.
Optimal packing density
In contrast to irregularly-shaped fillers, SIGRATHERM graphitized microballoons allow for an optimal packing density due to their spherical structure.
Versatile applications and markets
SIGRATHERM microballoons can be used e.g. to produce low-density thermal protection and insulation syntactic foams as well as other high-temperature resistant composite materials. They are suitable to prepare the following composites amongst others:
- Epoxy, polyurethane, aminoplast, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyester and phenolic resin composite materials
- Syntactic polymer foams
- Syntactic metal foams
Are you interested in testing SIGRATHERM microballoons for your application? Please contact us.
Brochures, technical data and information sheets on our products for high-temperature and thermal management applications can be found in our SIGRATHERM Download Center.
