New Rigid Laminate Absorbs Vibration and Noise

The material proved to be very effective. It can be used even for aerospace technology.

Researchers from Switzerland developed a unique material that allows for absorbing noise and vibrations. Usually, for this purpose, foam, rubber, or other soft materials are used. The new development, similar to laminate, has a rigid structure.

In trains and various machines, vibration occurs during operation, which can damage the structure. To fix this, engineers use cushioning materials. However, they often increase the cost, weight, and size. Moreover, damping materials are not always effective.

At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, a composite material was created that combines two contradictory properties. It turned out to be rigid and capable of bearing loads, while simultaneously possessing the ability to dampen vibrations and noise. The basis was made up of ultra-thin rubber-like layers, created from polydimethyl siloxane.

As the scientists noted, in the first prototypes, silicon and glass plates with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm were used. They were connected by rubber-like layers, the thickness of which was several hundred nanometers. Thanks to this, the necessary properties were achieved. Damping polymer layers make up less than 1% of the entire material.

The researchers emphasized that their development can be applied in many areas. For example, the material will be useful as window glass. However, the potential is much higher. The technology can be used for car bodies and even for various components in aerospace technology. The unusual laminate is also easy to scale. According to the scientists, it is not so difficult to make panels of several square meters in size.

Previously, scientists came up with an unusual technology that allows them to throw spider silk in the style of Spider-Man.