Ecomaterials with Noise Reduction Properties

Ecomaterials used to reduce noise are employed either independently or as components of complex composite materials, representing a growing area of research. These ecomaterials have the potential to be used as high-performance sound-absorbing noise isolators in a number of applications across transportation, architecture, industry, and construction. Due to national and international laws and recommendations, the use of “green” building materials has been promoted in the design and construction of buildings. In addition, public awareness and concern about pollution’s adverse effects have led consumers to favor environmentally friendly materials, less contaminating processes, and recycled products. This chapter discusses ecomaterials explicitly designed to reduce noise. After an introduction to the subject, a section is devoted to the assessment and certification of sustainable materials. Then, the fundamentals of sound absorption, airborne sound insulation, and impact sound insulation for acoustical ecomaterials are presented. The following section reviews common acoustical ecomaterials. It covers options that use natural fibers instead of synthetic ones, recycled fibers, and surplus materials. Additionally, it discusses advanced mix and composite ecomaterials designed to provide better performance while remaining lightweight, thereby reducing fuel consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the section addresses green walls and roofs on some buildings. The final section provides an overview of recent advancements in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for acoustical ecomaterials. All these ecomaterials provide an alternative to chemical building materials, polymers, and other artificial, nonsustainable materials.