The expansion process is a delicate balance between softening of the shell, gas tightness of the shell, and pressure increase from the gas inside the microspheres.

The different thermo-mechanical behavior of various EXPANCEL^® grades makes it possible to choose an optimal grade for each process and application.

EXPANCEL^® microspheres are small. The density of the microspheres has an influence on the particle size.

EXPANCEL^® can be used in contact with many chemicals, including solvents without discoloration or negative effects on expansion or other properties.

All EXPANCEL^® grades are highly resilient. The expanded microspheres are easy to compress. When the pressure is released the microspheres regain their original volume.

The ability of EXPANCEL^® to stand high pressure varies considerably with density and particle size. Larger microspheres and microspheres with high density leads to better high pressure resistance.

The polymer shell of EXPANCEL^® microspheres has been carefully designed to have a low gas permeability. This is important in many applications as it keeps the microspheres from leaking gas into the matrix.

EXPANCEL^® microspheres are able to withstand many cycles of loading/unloading without breaking.

EXPANCEL^® microspheres can be used to achieve a nice velvet-like surface by adding a small amount of microspheres to a coating. This can be done on many different materials like metal, paper, fabrics etc.

EXPANCEL^® microspheres are closed cells which is an important property in many applications.

Gas-filled closed cells are beneficial in insulation applications both electrical and thermal.

EXPANCEL^® microspheres can be added to produce an internal pressure in the finished product.

EXPANCEL^® is easy to disperse uniformly in an dispersion but care must be taken to choose the correct type of dispersing equipment.