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Swiss scientists' innovation could put an end to annoying air conditioning noise! See how this revolutionary material can reduce noise to almost zero and transform the comfort experience in any environment!
Imagine a world where the constant noise of trains, the annoying hum of compressors and even the sound of radio equipment air conditioning were reduced to almost imperceptible levels.
That future is closer than ever, thanks to Swiss scientists who are developing a revolutionary material. Recently, a team from ETH Zurich has created an innovative compound that promises to transform the way we deal with noise pollution, drastically reducing noise in our technology.
Noise and vibrations, in addition to being annoying, can damage equipment and even harm our health. Traditionally, to mitigate these effects, engineers used damping materials such as foam and rubber. However, these materials tend to increase the volume and cost of applications, limiting their use on a large scale.
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However, the team at ETH Zurich went a step further, creating a new type of material that combines rigidity and a strong damping capacity, two characteristics that rarely coexist.
The new material is composed of thin layers of rigid materials, such as glass or silicon, interspersed with ultra-thin layers of a rubber-like polymer. This unique combination is comparable to a “millefeuille”, with the rigid layers representing the dough and the polymer, the filling that absorbs vibrations.
The development process and the first results – Silent air conditioning
The creation of this material began with a series of calculations performed by PhD student Ioanna Tsimouri. Using computer models, Tsimouri determined that the polymer layers should represent less than 1% of the total volume of the material to achieve the desired properties.
Based on these calculations, the team created different variations of the compound in the lab, using glass similar to that found in smartphones and a PDMS polymer blend for the cushioning layers.
The test results were impressive. A plate made of the new material, when dropped on a table, produced much less noise compared to a regular glass plate, and it did not bounce.”When I first experienced the fall, I was struck by the difference. The contrast between the deafening sound of the glass and the muffled sound of our material was striking.”, said Tsimouri.
Future applications and large-scale production
The potential of the new material is vast. It could be used in a wide range of applications, such as windows, machine enclosures, automotive parts, aerospace technology and even sensors.
Furthermore, it stands out for being resistant to a wide range of temperatures, which makes it suitable for different industries and environments. Another positive point is the possibility of recycling, something that further increases its sustainable appeal.
According to Professor Walter Caseri, who also participated in the development, large-scale industrial production of this material is feasible. He explains that panels measuring several square meters could be manufactured with the right machines.
Although controlling the thickness of the layers is still a challenge, the results obtained so far are extremely promising.
With large-scale production, this innovative material could significantly reduce noise and vibration pollution in urban and industrial environments, improving quality of life and equipment durability.
The innovation developed by the ETH Zurich team may be closer than we imagine to revolutionizing our sound environment.
