How does the addition of glass beads affect the thermal insulation of PVC?
The addition of glass beads to PVC significantly enhances its thermal insulation properties. Glass beads act as insulating fillers, reducing the material's overall thermal conductivity. These tiny spherical particles create air pockets within the PVC matrix, which disrupt heat transfer pathways. Studies show that incorporating 10-30% glass beads by weight can lower thermal conductivity by 15-25%. The beads also improve dimensional stability while maintaining PVC's flexibility. This modification makes PVC more suitable for applications requiring thermal insulation, such as construction materials and packaging. The uniform distribution of glass beads is crucial for achieving consistent insulation performance across the material.
