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Diasphere® MH-40FD PMMA Microspheres – Light Diffusion Surface Texture

40μm PMMA spherical beads with CV < 20% particle size distribution. Used in light diffusion films, coatings texturing, and BOPP/CPP anti-blocking. FDA-compliant, RoHS.

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In optical films, coatings, and packaging materials, the morphology and particle size distribution of additives directly determine final product performance. Irregular particles or broad size distributions often lead to inconsistent surface texture, uncontrolled gloss, or compromised optical clarity. Diasphere® MH-40FD is a PMMA spherical bead developed by ASP Co., Ltd. (Advanced Specialty Polymer Ltd.). Manufactured through a proprietary polymerization technique, the Diasphere® series produces spherical polymeric beads ranging from 0.2 to 100μm, based on acrylic monomers and their copolymers, styrene monomers, and silane derivatives. MH-40FD features a nominal mean particle size of 40μm with a coefficient of variation (CV) below 20%, making it suitable for applications requiring precise particle size control—from light diffusion and matting to anti-blocking and surface texturing.

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Product Specifications

Property	Specification	Test Method
Material	Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)	—
Appearance	Fine white powder	Visual
Mean Particle Size	40 μm	Coulter counter M400
Particle Size Distribution (CV)	< 20%	Coulter counter M400
Refractive Index	1.49	—
Thermal Decomposition (3% weight loss)	240°C – 260°C	TGA
Moisture Content	< 1%	K/F Titration
Heavy Metals (Pb, As, Hg, Sb, Cd)	Not Detected	SGS RoHS

Source: ASP Co., Ltd. – Diasphere® Product Catalogue & Public TDS

Key Properties

Narrow Particle Size Distribution (CV < 20%) – The tight particle size distribution of MH-40FD ensures consistent protrusion height in film and coating applications. In our experience, this translates to fewer surface defects and more predictable optical or tactile outcomes compared to additives with broader distributions.
Spherical Morphology for Low Friction – The perfectly spherical shape of Diasphere® beads creates smooth surface protrusions that effectively lower both static and dynamic friction coefficients. In BOPP film applications, static friction can be reduced from approximately 0.50 (with silica) to around 0.39 with spherical polymer beads.
Thermal Stability (240°C – 260°C) – With a decomposition temperature range of 240°C to 260°C (3% weight loss by TGA), Diasphere® MH-40FD maintains structural integrity during polyolefin film processing and most coating curing cycles. This thermal window provides sufficient processing flexibility for common manufacturing operations.
Optical Performance Control (RI 1.49) – The refractive index of 1.49 makes MH-40FD suitable for light diffusion applications where controlled scattering is required. In anti-glare functional films, different refractive indices can be selected to tune the balance between reflection and diffusion.
Regulatory Compliance – Heavy metals (Pb, As, Hg, Sb, Cd) are not detected, supporting compliance with RoHS and related environmental requirements for electronic and consumer goods applications.

Applications

Light Diffusion Films and Plates – In LCD display backlight units, PMMA microspheres like Diasphere® MH-40FD scatter transmitted light to achieve uniform luminance while maintaining high transmittance. The 40μm particle size is suitable for film and sheet structures requiring a specific diffusion layer thickness. One optical film converter reported that switching to MH-40FD improved diffusion uniformity across the entire panel surface, reducing brightness variation by over 30% compared to their previous additive.

Matting and Texture Agents for Coatings and Inks – In waterborne, solvent-based, and UV-curable coating systems, MH-40FD functions as a matting and texture agent. The spherical shape and narrow distribution enable precise gloss control and reproducible surface roughness. A coatings manufacturer developing a soft-touch finish for consumer electronics found that MH-40FD delivered a more consistent matte effect and better scratch resistance than irregular silica-based matting agents.

Anti-blocking for BOPP and CPP Packaging Films – Spherical polymer beads reduce the contact area between film layers, improving winding and slitting performance. Compared to inorganic silica, PMMA beads offer smoother surface protrusions and lower friction values due to their spherical shape and narrow size distribution. A BOPP film producer reported that after incorporating Diasphere® beads into their surface layer formulation, static friction dropped from approximately 0.50 to 0.39, and film breakage during slitting decreased noticeably.

Surface Texture Design for Plastics – In extrusion and injection molding of appliance and automotive components, Diasphere® microspheres create uniform surface textures with controlled haptic and visual effects. Particle sizes from 10μm to 80μm can be selected to match specific texture depth requirements. An automotive interior supplier used MH-40FD in instrument panel skin formulations to achieve consistent matte texture with a soft-touch feel.

Technical Comparison

Parameter	Diasphere® MH-40FD	Conventional Silica	Broad-distribution PMMA
Particle Morphology	Spherical	Irregular	Spherical
Size Distribution (CV)	< 20%	Typically wide	> 40%
Static Friction (5% dosage)	~0.39 µs	~0.50 µs	Varies
Refractive Index	1.49	~1.46	1.49
Surface Protrusion	Smooth	Sharp/irregular	Inconsistent

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the primary applications of Diasphere® MH-40FD?

A: According to ASP's public literature, Diasphere® series spherical polymer beads serve multiple functions: light diffusing agents for diffusion films and plates, matting/texture/anti-slip agents for paints and coatings, anti-blocking agents for packaging films (BOPP and CPP), anti-glare agents for functional films, pore-forming agents for ceramic materials, and surface texture design additives for plastics. MH-40FD, as a 40μm grade, can be evaluated across these applications based on specific process requirements.

Q: How do I choose between MH-40FD and other particle sizes in the series?

A: The Diasphere® MH series offers multiple particle sizes including 10μm, 20μm, 25μm, 30μm, 40μm, 50μm, 60μm, 80μm, and 100μm. Selection depends on your target application: light diffusion films typically require particle size matched to film thickness and desired diffusion effect; coating texture design depends on target surface roughness; film anti-blocking selection relates to film thickness—thinner films generally favor smaller particles, while thicker films can accommodate larger sizes. We recommend conducting a gradient trial to determine the optimal grade for your specific formulation and process.

Q: What is the significance of the thermal decomposition temperature (240°C – 260°C)?

A: This specification, measured as 3% weight loss by TGA, indicates the temperature range at which the material begins to undergo significant thermal degradation. For processing considerations, this value serves as a reference for upper temperature limits—processing should typically be conducted below this range to maintain additive integrity. For polyolefin film extrusion (typically 180°C – 240°C) and most coating curing processes, MH-40FD provides adequate thermal stability.

Q: What are the recommended storage conditions?

A: Store in the original sealed container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. To prevent caking, stacking should not exceed three pallets high. Shelf life is at least three years in a closed container.

Q: How does PMMA compare to silicone (PMSO) microspheres for optical applications?

A: PMMA microspheres (refractive index 1.49) and silicone microspheres (refractive index ~1.42) offer different scattering characteristics due to their refractive index difference. Silicone beads also provide higher thermal stability (over 400°C), making them suitable for higher-temperature processing or curing. Selection should consider optical requirements, processing temperature, and cost factors.

Summary

Diasphere® MH-40FD is a 40μm PMMA spherical bead with CV < 20% particle size distribution, offering predictable performance in light diffusion, coatings texturing, film anti-blocking, and plastic surface design applications.

Source: ASP Co., Ltd. – Diasphere® Product Catalogue & Public TDS