A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable 12 to 45 micron polymeric resin. Hollow glass microspheroids are present from 2 to 12 total weight percent. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.

Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above.

A high-temperature open-cell porous body, the body comprises crystalline inorganic particles and 0.5 to 3-weight percent glass. The crystalline inorganic particles are bonded together by the glass to form a matrix with interconnected pores having a porosity of greater than 20-percent. The crystalline inorganic particles may further include interconnected micro pores, the latter combination providing a matrix with both macro porosity and micro porosity.

A colored platelet including a substrate, an adhesion layer, a color pigment layer, and a secure layer and a method of producing the colored platelet are described. The disclosed colored platelet can provide a superior bright color effect in a coating composition. The color effect can depend on the material used for the substrate and/or the color pigment layer.