In our never-ending quest for peace and quiet amidst the cacophony of modern life, the need for innovative soundproofing solutions has never been greater. L'Rapid urbanization, the rise of digital technologies and increasing levels of noise pollution have transformed our environment. into a symphony of constant and often disruptive noise. The solution lies in development of revolutionary materials and environmentally-friendly approaches to soundproofingwhich promise to transform our living and working spaces into sanctuaries of silence.
Soundproofing: a quest for many sectors
There are many sectors concerned by soundproofing. Each sector has its own unique soundproofing requirements, and Innovations in this field must meet a variety of needs while taking into account the specific constraints of each industry.. Here are a few examples:
- Construction and real estate Residential, commercial and hotel buildings require quiet environments to ensure comfort and well-being;
- Transport Transportation: the aeronautical, automotive, rail and maritime industries are all seeking to improve the passenger experience and reduce noise pollution and nuisance;
- Industry Plants and production sites must protect workers' health and comply with acoustic safety standards;
- Urban planning Public spaces, parks and road infrastructures must be designed to minimize noise pollution and create pleasant relaxation areas;
- Entertainment and leisure Soundproofing: cinemas, theaters, concert halls and recording studios require high-quality soundproofing for optimum performance.
Exploring the potential of innovative materials and cutting-edge soundproofing techniques, this non-exhaustive summary is based on an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in the field. series of targeted scientific publications that address the future of soundproofing.
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New materials: advanced polymers and 3D printing
At the cutting edge of acoustic innovation are advanced polymersmeticulously designed by 3D printing technology. These materials not only reduce noise, they represent a paradigm shift in soundproofing possibilities. Polymer panels, in particular polylactic acid and polyethylene terephthalate glycol derivativeshave demonstrated a significant reduction in sound pressure levels, with certain configurations absorbing up to 45% of sound energy (HriȚuc et al., 2023).
3D printing makes it possible to create complex soundproof panel structures. A study compares panels printed in three types of material, at varying fill densities (from 20% to 100%), with internal configurations of circular, triangular and corrugated profiles. It is shown that, whatever the material used, the 40% and 60% fill densities offer panels with the best absorption coefficient (Zaharia et al., 2023).
The sound power of these panels is also influenced by the diameter of the printer nozzle. and internal panel design. Researchers have studied the acoustic properties of panels made from different nozzle diameters, variable filament types and specific labyrinth channels. A maximum transmission loss of 56dB is achieved for a sample printed with a 0.8 mm nozzle, Z2 pattern and Black PLA Pro material (Matei et al., 2024). This study indicates the potential for widespread application of these panels in noisy environments.
Environmentally-friendly solutions for sustainable soundproofing
The soundproofing industry echoes the global call for sustainability, leading to theexploration of biodegradable, environmentally-friendly materials. Visit paper-based fabrics, the agar-based composite films and the natural fibers such as cork are emerging as viable alternatives for acoustic insulation (Song et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2022). These materials not only offer a reduced environmental impact, but also a higher a promising avenue for sustainable soundproofing.
However, improving their longevity and profitability remains a challenge that researchers and industry professionals are striving to meet.
The innovative use of waste materials in the creation of absorbent composites is a testament to the industry's commitment to environmental protection. By reusing agricultural residues, the walnut and pistachio shells, the tea residues or the textile waste to create effective soundproofing panels (Nur Christmastuti, 2023; Nitu et al., 2024), it's all about transforming potential environmental burdens into valuable acoustic solutions.
A study highlights the use of composites made from eggshells for soundproofing materials (Nur Christmastuti, 2023). It has been shown that a absorption coefficient of 0.97 at a frequency of 2392 Hz can be achieved with this solution. The use of textile fibers from used tires and paper sludge can be used to manufacture acoustic composite panels with high sound absorption coefficients and low noise levels. interesting sound transmission losses depending on the proportion of each waste material. For example, a mixture of 25% of fiber and 25% of paper sludge mixed with PVA and water provides a sound absorption coefficient of 0.46 (Ružickij et al., 2023).
These approaches not only reduce wastebut also offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional soundproofing materials.
Towards a calmer, more environmentally-friendly future?
The road to quieter spaces is paved with innovation and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. The exploration of new materials and the integration of environmentally-friendly solutions are at the heart of this quiet revolution. By deepening our knowledge of polymers, biodegradable substances and recycled materialsresearchers ensure that future innovations coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
This study was carried out thanks to ideXlab open innovation platformwhich has enabled us to source and assemble high-quality scientific and technical publications. IdeXlab offers a unique opportunity to share and capitalize on knowledge, while facilitating access to solid, global research, essential to meeting tomorrow's challenges in the field of acoustics. The ideXlab solution also fosters fruitful collaborations between industry and academia, contributing to the advancement of sustainable soundproofing research.
Summary written by
Julie SUZANNE
Innovation Consultant
References :
- Bhagat Ajit Babarao, Pal Ruchi, Ghosh Anup K.. Foam processability of polypropylene/sisal fiber composites having near-critical fiber length for acoustic absorption properties. Polymer Composites, 2023
- Chen Ao, Yang Zhiwei, Zhao Xiaoguang, Anderson Stephan, Zhang Xin. Composite Acoustic Metamaterial for Broadband Low-Frequency Acoustic Attenuation. Physical Review Applied, 2023
- Comandini Gianni, Ouisse Morvan, Ting Valeska P., Scarpa Fabrizio. acoustic transmission loss in Hilbert fractal metamaterials. Scientific Reports, 2023
- El Bessoumy R. R.. The acoustic insulation of rigid polyurethane foam composite with some agricultural residues. Al-Azhar Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2022
- HriȚuc A., Mihalache Andrei Marius, Dodun Oana, Nagîț Gheorghe, Beșliu-băncescu Irina, Rădulescu Bruno, Slătineanu Laurențiu. Propagation of Sounds through Small Panels Made of Polymer materials by 3D printing.. Polymers, 2023
- Iaşnicu Iuliana, Vasile Ovidiu, Iatan Radu, Tomescu Gheorghița. DETERMINATION OF SOUND ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT FOR PLATES AND LAYERED COMPOSITE MATERIAL MADE FROM TEXTILE waste AND CORK. Journal of Engineering Studies and Research, 2016
- Kumar Surendra, Jahan Kousar, Verma Abhishek, Agarwal Manan, Chandraprakash C.. Agar-Based Composite Films as Effective biodegradable Sound Absorbers. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2022
- Kyaw Oo D'amore Giada, Caverni Stefano, Biot Marco, Rognoni Giovanni, D'alessandro Luca. A Metamaterial Solution for soundproofing on Board Ship. Applied Sciences, 2022
- Lee Inho, Yoon Gwanho. Acoustic Metamaterial for Broadband soundproofing and Ventilation. INTER-NOISE and NOISE-CON Congress and Conference Proceedings, 2023
- Mahalingam Jayaraj, Rajendran Sivakumar, Shanmugasundram N., Kuppuswamy Hariharan, Thirumurugan Rama. Investigation of acoustic, mechanical, thermal, and moisture properties of milled alkali-treated coconut tree secondary flower leaf stalk fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Polymer Composites, 2023
- Matei Simona, Pop Mihai Alin, Zaharia Sebastian-marian, Coșniță Mihaela, Croitoru Cătălin, Spîrchez Cosmin, Cazan Cristina. Investigation into the acoustic Properties of Polylactic Acid Sound-Absorbing Panels Manufactured by 3D printing Technology: The Influence of Nozzle Diameters and Internal Configurations. Materials, 2024
- Mir Fariha, Mandal Debdyuti, Banerjee Sourav. Metamaterials for acoustic Noise Filtering and Energy Harvesting. Sensors (Basel Switzerland), 2023
- Nagami Tadashi, Miyakawa Takayuki, Enomoto Toshio, Miura Susumu, Sawada Hiroyuki, Minami Kenta, Ichikawa Atsushi, Horibe Norifumi, Fang Nicholas X. Lightweight stiffness-dominated acoustic metamaterial barrier for low-frequency sound. Journal of Applied Physics, 2023
- Nitu Silvia Andreea, Vasile Ovidiu, Iatan Radu, Sporea Nicoleta, Durbaca Ion, Ciocoiu Gheorghe Cosmin. Research on Obtaining Biocomposite Structures with Sound Absorbing Properties. Materiale Plastice, 2022
- Nur Christmastuti. soundproofing panel design from eggshell material and tea dregs. ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur, 2023
- Rezaieyan Ehsan, Taban Ebrahim, Berardi Umberto, Mortazavi Seyyed Bagher, Faridan Mohammad, Mahmoudi Elham. acoustic properties of natural fiber reinforced composite micro-perforated panel (NFRC-MPP) made from cork fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) using 3D printing. Journal of Building Engineering, 2024
- Ružickij Robert, Grubliauskas Raimondas, Kizinievič Olga, Astrauskas Tomas. Development of Composite Acoustic Panels of Waste Tyre Textile Fibres and Paper Sludge. Sustainability, 2023
- Ružickij Robert, Grubliauskas Raimondas. Prediction of Sound absorption of waste tyre textile fibre composite material. The 12th International Conference ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 12th ICEE SELECTED PAPERS, 2023
- Shi Xuejun, Shi Guangling, Han Yongjun. Sound Insulation Properties of Hollow Polystyrene Spheres/Polyethylene Glycol/Epoxy Composites. Polymers, 2022
- Song Minjoo, Ripoll Kate. A Comparative Study: Exploring Diverse Paper-Based Fabrics for Innovative soundproofing Solutions. Journal of Student Research, 2023
- Xuejun Shi, Ren Shuang, Han Yongjun. Sound insulation and mechanical properties of epoxy/hollow silica nanospheres composites. Materials Research Express, 2022
- Zaharia Sebastian-marian, Pop Mihai Alin, Cosnita Mihaela, Croitoru Cătălin, Matei Simona, Spîrchez Cosmin. Sound Absorption Performance and Mechanical Properties of the 3D-Printed Bio-Degradable Panels. Polymers, 2023
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