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Inspired by the Anatomy of Owls, New Chinese Material Is Light, Durable and Reduces Car Engine Noise from 87.5 dB to 78.6 dB.
Urban life is becoming increasingly noisy. The constant sound of traffic, machinery, and engines affects millions of people. Now, a group of scientists from Tiangong University in China has presented a different solution: an aerogel inspired by owls that reduces engine noise.
The material was able to reduce sound waves that hit it by up to 58%, showing better performance than many noise absorbers on the market.
The Silent Inspiration of Owls, Reduces Engine Noise
Owls are nocturnal hunters known for flying silently. This silence comes from a combination of serrated feathers and soft skin, which absorb high and low-frequency sounds.
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These structures reduce air vortices and muffle noise, allowing the bird to approach its prey unnoticed.
It was this natural ability that inspired the researchers. They decided to replicate the characteristics of owl feathers and skin in the laboratory, applying this knowledge to create an insulating material to combat noise pollution in urban and industrial environments.
How the Aerogel Was Developed
The Chinese team created a two-layer aerogel. The bottom layer has a porous structure with a honeycomb pattern. This layer acts like the owl’s skin and is effective at blocking low-frequency noise. The top part simulates the bird’s feathers, consisting of silicon nanofibers that absorb higher frequency sounds.
This innovative design allows the material to act over various sound frequency ranges. Thus, the aerogel can overcome the limitations of traditional materials, which typically absorb only a portion of the noise and therefore require multiple layers to achieve the desired effect.
Lighter and More Efficient Than Current Methods
Conventional materials used in soundproofing, such as felt fibers, do not always meet expectations. Besides being heavy and bulky, they tend to be inefficient for low or high sounds, requiring multiple layers.
The new aerogel stands out for being lightweight and delivering superior performance. In tests conducted with automobile engines, it managed to reduce noise from 87.5 decibels to 78.6 decibels.
This represents a significant drop, bringing the sound level to a safer range for human ears.
Durability and Compressive Strength
In addition to its effectiveness in sound absorption, the aerogel proved to be highly durable. The responsible team claims the material maintained its structural integrity even after 100 compression cycles, showing minimal deformation.
This data reinforces the potential use of the aerogel in environments with constant vibrations, such as factories and vehicles.
For the researchers, the study represents an important advancement. They believe this technology could be applied to significantly alleviate noise pollution in urban areas, production lines, and automotive systems.
Impact on Public Health
Noise pollution goes beyond mere annoyance. Continuous exposure to loud noises can cause serious health damage. One of the main risks is permanent hearing loss, but the effects go beyond that. Excessive sounds can also worsen existing conditions and contribute to the emergence of new diseases.
Among the health issues mentioned are cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack. Exposure to noise can also affect metabolism, contributing to the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to the study’s authors.
The findings of the Chinese team were published in the scientific journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, which specializes in advanced materials.
The publication emphasizes the relevance of the study and the recognition of the scientific community for its development.
Based on one of nature’s quietest creatures, the new aerogel may pave the way for a future with less noise and better health.
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