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Exploring the Application of Nonwoven Fabrics in Acoustic Noise Reduction
Release date:
2022/05/19
What is noise?
Noise refers to all loud sounds that people do not wish to hear. These sounds are generated by vibrations and propagate uniformly through the air in the form of sound waves. The louder the sound, the more likely it is to be perceived as an unpleasant noise. It’s not just excessively high volume—certain frequencies can also cause discomfort. Prolonged exposure to or intense levels of noise can negatively affect a person’s work efficiency and even lead to illness.
For example, in offices—especially in open-plan workspaces—loud background noise is often pervasive, significantly impacting people’s health, comfort, and productivity. Moreover, modern buildings featuring stone flooring, floor-to-ceiling glass, and other highly reflective surfaces, combined with spacious interiors, only exacerbate this problem. Sound waves reflected off these hard surfaces create prolonged echoes that often make people feel uncomfortable and easily lead to fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial—and highly beneficial for health—to use noise-reducing devices to eliminate noise disturbances.
How do noise-canceling devices work?
There are different measures that can be taken to reduce noise.
One approach is to “enclose or isolate” the noise. For example, machines that generate loud sounds can be separated from their surroundings by means of a specially designed enclosure—a device akin to a soundproof room—thus reducing the noise emitted during the production process.
In addition, noise levels can also be reduced through sound absorption and sound insulation methods.
The oldest type of soundproofing material in use is the lightweight fiberboard made from kapok, a renewable raw material. As early as 1938, standards were established for this material; in 2007, these were replaced by the European standard EN 13168.
In addition, architectural engineering often employs perforated acoustic components made of metal, wood, or gypsum board—such as perforated sound-absorbing panels.
To improve indoor acoustic performance, these sound-absorbing panels are equipped with sound-absorbing non-woven fabric or mineral fiber padding on their back sides.
The applications of nonwoven fabrics in noise control extend far beyond this. Their unique properties enable them to be used in a wide variety of sound-absorbing and soundproofing devices.
Use non-woven fabric for noise reduction.
Nonwoven fabrics have different properties, enabling them to achieve various acoustic effects. Different surface characteristics can either diffuse sound waves or “absorb” them. The porous structure of nonwoven fabrics allows vibrating air molecules to penetrate into the fabric’s internal structure. As these air molecules rub against each other and against the fibers of the nonwoven fabric, their kinetic energy is converted into heat through frictional losses. This process reduces the sound field and lowers the noise level.
Nonwoven fabrics are increasingly being used for sound insulation and noise reduction. For example, in the automotive industry, nonwoven fabrics are employed to minimize the transmission of environmental noises—such as engine noise and traffic noise—into the vehicle cabin. The sound-absorbing properties of nonwoven fabrics are also leveraged; for instance, sound-absorbing devices are fixed behind carpets or dashboards to reduce the sound field inside the cabin.
In interior acoustic design, nonwoven fabrics are increasingly being used as “design elements” that provide sound absorption. Examples include single-piece panels mounted on walls and/or ceilings, full-wall and ceiling decorations, sound-absorbing partitions for open-plan office spaces, or entire pieces of furniture made from felt.
When used for sound attenuation and sound insulation, particular types of sound-absorbing devices are typically preferred—such as those made from a blend of natural fibers like recycled fibers or wool fibers with synthetic fibers.
Sound-absorbing nonwoven fabric not only improves indoor acoustics but also seamlessly integrates aesthetically into the overall interior design.
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John Han
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