3M : Scientist’s Discovery from the 1940s is Still Going Strong

Warren identified that the beads had microscopic bubbles in their surface that caused the light to scatter rather than directing light back to its source. He investigated a solution to make the particles small enough to create single bubbles, which are much lighter.

Warren thought that if he could create them, they would be useful for making more lightweight materials that still held their strength, especially useful for aerospace and hydrospace - underwater. Because 3M has a 15 percent culture encouraging employees to work on projects outside of their regular duties, Warren was able to dedicate time to investigating how the bubbles formed on the glass beads. By methodically evaluating particle size, composition and environmental factors, he made 100 percent hollow glass bubbles.

After making some low-density plastic parts with these glass bubbles, he demonstrated to his managers that he had made a great discovery. From there, word spread fast and glass bubbles are used across multiple industries even today. They are still used in transportation, as he originally envisioned, and their high strength and low density make them perfect for use in mining, construction and many industrial applications.