PolypearlTM microspheres are high-performance additives specially developed for coatings and plastics.
In paints and varnishes, they improve the mechanical and optical properties and modify the surface characteristics such as structure and haptics/soft feel.
In compounds and masterbatches they are an effective anti-blocking additive for films and foils.
In engineering plastics they are used as light scattering agents for defined light diffusion.
Benefit from the perfectly round shape and the excellent chemical and physical properties of PolypearlTM microspheres.
Products
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ME series
PMSQ Microbeads
excellent chemical and solvent resistance • outstanding optical properties
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BH 5
PBMA Microbeads
Improvement of haptic and softfeel effect • favoured for use in leather coatings and lacquers
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SNX series
PS nano dispersion
Spacer and antiglare
for water-based coatings -
MH FD
PMMA Microbeads
excellent solvent and
temperature resistance -
MH FHD
PMMA Microbeads
increased temperature resistance • especially for light diffusion / anti-blocking
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MS FHC
Polystyrol Microbeads
increased temperature resistance up to 310°C • especially for light diffusion / anti-blocking
Application
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Masterbatch for Films & Foils
- antiblocking and slip
- excellent transparency and gloss
- non-migrating
- temperature resistant, hot slip
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Plastics & Compounds
- effective light diffusion agent for PC, PS, PMMA, PET, silicone
- homogeneous light dispersion
- excellent light scattering
- light diffuser for foils and films
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Coatings
- very good lubricant/slip
- excellent scratch resistance
- haptics / texturing agent
- delustering agent / light diffuser
- antiblocking / spacer
- anti-creaking varnishes
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Fine powder
- improvement of flowability and free-flowing properties
FAQ
What are Polypearl™ microspheres?
Polypearl™ is our proprietary brand for high-quality organic microspheres. These are spherical particles made from synthetic polymers such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PMSQ (polymethylsilsesquioxane), PS (polystyrene) and PBMA (polybutyl methacrylate).
Polypearl™ microspheres are used in paints, coatings, cosmetics, plastics and masterbatches to selectively improve surface and optical properties.
What materials are used for Polypearl™ microspheres?
- PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) – versatile, excellent optical properties, heat resistance up to 300 °C
- PMSQ (polymethylsilsesquioxane) – highest chemical and thermal resistance
- PS (polystyrene) – very high heat resistance up to 310 °C
- PBMA (polybutyl methacrylate) – softer feel, suitable for soft-feel applications
What is the difference between PMMA and PMSQ microspheres?
PMMA microspheres offer excellent optical clarity, good compatibility with many solvents and a broad application range.
PMSQ microspheres (silicone-based) provide significantly higher chemical and solvent resistance as well as outstanding UV stability.
What applications are Polypearl™ microspheres suitable for?
Polypearl™ Mikrokugeln werden eingesetzt für:
- Matting in paints and coatings (uniform gloss level, better transparency than silica)
- Light diffusion in plastics (LED covers, light profiles, LCD displays)
- Soft-feel effects (velvety texture on coated surfaces)
- Anti-blocking in films and plastics
- Scratch resistance in coatings
- Functional filler in cosmetic productsn
Which Polypearl™ grade is suitable for UV coatings?
In general, all Polypearl™ grades are suitable for UV coatings.
Due to their high thermal and excellent chemical resistance, the PMSQ microspheres of the ME series are the first choice. They have been specifically developed for demanding UV-curing systems.
Can Polypearl™ microspheres be used in masterbatches?
Yes – Polypearl™ microspheres are excellently suited for use in masterbatches and compounds.
In particular, the PMSQ grade ME (thermally stable up to 400 °C) and the polystyrene grade MS FHC (up to 310 °C) are suitable for demanding plastic processing. Please state your processing temperature when making an enquiry.
Up to what temperatures are Polypearl™ microspheres resistant?
- PMSQ grades: high thermal stability above 350 °C due to silicone base
- PMMA grade MH FHD: up to 300 °C
- Polystyrene grade MS FHC: up to 310 °C
- PBMA grades: lower heat resistance, suitable for coating applications
What particle sizes are available?
For matting applications typically 2–20 µm, for light diffusion 2–40 µm.
PMSQ microspheres (ME grades): 1–10 µm. PMMA and PS microspheres: 3–100 µm.
How are Polypearl™ microspheres incorporated into coatings?
- Add microspheres after incorporating pigments and fillers
- Disperse using a high-speed dissolver
- When using a bead mill, keep shear forces moderate to preserve sphere structure
- Dosage: typically 1–10 % based on solid content, depending on the desired effect