Developing thin acoustic panels for sound absorption in architectural applications

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Effective and efficient noise control, particularly the low-frequencies noise absorption, has been a major technical challenge in many industrial sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, construction, etc.. Quietness is highly desired in many living, working and entertainment places. Noise is a source of pollution that brings seriously negative impact on human health, such as hearing impairment and psychological diseases. The existing sound absorbing materials are generally not competent enough to eliminate noise. In addition, the commonly used sound absorbing materials such as nonwovens, mineral wool, fibrous glass and foam materials, have great environmental disadvantages and health concerns because the fibrous type materials may release fibers into the air. It is urgently required to develop high performance sound and environmentally friendly materials for effective sound absorption. CedarCrest Wood Products Ltd., the industrial partner of this project, is specialized in producing lightweight panels for construction industry for more than 27 years. Currently, CedarCrest has received considerable amount of requests to provide acoustical ceiling or wall tiles for architectural applications. It is strategically important for CedarCrest to develop new acoustic panel products in order to strengthen their leader position in the existing market of construction materials and to develop new business opportunities as well. The motivation of this proposal is to design and fabricate high performance, thin and lightweight acoustic panels. Together with the industrial partner, our goal is to minimize the material change from the existing materials being used and decrease the panel thickness, but improve the sound absorption performance and maintain the structure integrity for architectural applications.