Sound Deadening Material

Sound is very essential in our everyday lives. Sound waves are created when vibrations occur in atoms or molecules. As a result, these vibrations transform into sound energy from kinetic energy. So thanks to this sound energy, the sound waves are multiplied.

However, such a form of energy can often become an obstacle despite its usefulness, such as a car engine noise, road noise in the car, or noise coming from another apartment. Thus, people look for some other techniques to block these unwanted sounds. Though they cannot be blocked completely, they can be reduced and create a calm atmosphere.

The process of eliminating or blocking this irritating noise is also called sound proofing. It can be done in three basic ways, such as:

· Distance

The energy of sound waves is lost constantly if you travel through a medium air. In fact, the long these waves have to travel, the more energy it loses on the way.

· Absorption

Absorption is done through the use of materials. Thanks to the elimination of the energy of the sound waves, the process of soundproofing is achieved easily. Thus, when sound waves are created, some of them are transferred through that material, some are absorbed within it and only some percent of the energy is reflected. In this case, the sound energy is converted to kinetic energy due to the vibrations.

· Damping

This is perhaps the most popular option. In this absorption case, sound waves undergo resonance. Damping works perfect at quite low frequencies.

· Properties Making Soundprooofing Materials

Some people think that soundproofing is possible by any type of material, but in fact, this is not true. Only few materials can efficiently soundproof the area. However, it is important to understand which properties make these materials perfect and then we will jump to study these special materials.

· Density

Density is the amount of molecules per each substance. If the material has a low density, then the sound waves are transferred easily. If it has high density, the waves are reflected off the material’s surface.

· Porosity

This property involves the use of interstices to alter the energy of the sound waves by expansion, compression and change in the direction of flow; resulting in loss of momentum. Porosity is an advantage in absorption and a disadvantage in blocking.

· Flow resistivity

The most outstanding feature of sound absorbers is the resistivity to noise per unit thickness of a material. This resistance also depends on sound wave tapers.

· Cell size

Cell size should be small enough so that the material can be suitable for soundproofing. Cell arrangement is another important factor. Open cells make better absorbers while closed cells make better blockers.

· Tortuosity

Tortuosity is a measure of the twists and it appears in that material’s cell arrangement.

· Best Soundproofing Materials

The above mentioned properties are the ones which make the materials perfect for soundproofing. Now let’s explore some of these unique sound deadening materials.

· Polyurethane foams

Polyurethane foam is a flexible and open-cell solid. Sound energy spreads through the material by two main methods. In the first case, sound pressure waves move through the fluid, while in the second case, elastic stress waves are crated because of the pressure waves. Polyurethane foams are flammable, therefore, they cannot be used in industries. People mostly install it within a room.

· Felt

Used as natural or synthetic or a blend of both, fiber can be durable even in the presence of salts, greases, moisture, detergents, and other chemicals. Due to its optimum density and spring, it perfectly absorbs sounds. If you want a damper in musical instruments then look no further and choose felt.

· Fiber Glass

Being very lightweight, fiber glass can be customized easily. As a result, even the tightest places can be insulated. Both halls and rooms can benefit from glass fiber as it perfectly prevent reverberations and echoes.

· Polyester fiber

Being a man-made fiber, it includes many long chain synthetic polymers. They are made to be used for lightweight insulation products. Due to its unique blend of heavy, polyester fiber stands out. It is also resistant to wrinkles, fire, wear, stretch, etc. These properties make it a wonderful soundproofing material in both industrial and heavy machinery settings.

· Mass Loaded Vinyl

Since 1960s, Mass Loaded Vinyl has been used as a soundproofing product. However, it’s quite expensive but it is very suitable for all bends and corners.

· Cork

Being elastic and fireproof, cork is a great choice for soundproofing. Even 3mm of the material blocks 10decibels of sound. As cork is made up of 50% air and with a density of 0.16g per cubic centimeter, it is a very lightweight material.

· Green glue

This glue is applied is used between two rigid materials such as dry wall. Thanks to the polymeric design of green glue, the energy transforms into frictional energy and then heat. It is not toxic at all, but it works as an adhesive in spite of its name.

· Epoxy

Thanks to its air resistance and damping properties, epoxy is also considered to be a perfect soundproofing method. Most of all, epoxy is used as an addition to other soundproof materials. It can also perform as an adhesive and do the job better than any glue. People apply epoxy for coating as well.

· Silicone

If there are tight spaces and corners then silicone is the perfect option to take into consideration. Silicone has many benefits. It is resistant to water and it provides air tight insulation. If you opt for this coating, it can also stop sound propagation by air and perform as a great damping material.

Now you already know some information about sound deadening material, so you can easily decide how to dampen your space and reduce noise. If you are planning to sound deaden your car, we recommend getting help from SoundSkins. Here you can easily find car sound deadening materials and reach noise reduction in the most efficient way. Hurry up to invest in car sound deadening material and drive in full comfort.