If we build it, they will come.

As noise has gained prominence in quality of life data, demand for engineered noise control has increased, particularly in low frequency. Initially used in the industrial manufacturing sector, engineered noise control has expanded to include modes of transportation, the military, construction sites, offices, housing and schools. A greater intensity in demand has been realized in the transportation sector, as modes of transporting goods and people have increased in speed, noise and the cost of fuel. Coincidentally, the manufacturers and suppliers of noise control materials have consolidated over the past decade into the passive vs. active methods and flexible vs. metal fabricators/manufacturers. Both of the above factors have lead to markets that have placed more demands on the traditional acoustic materials, often requiring more rapid delivery of finished parts as well as guaranteed results for the engineered systems. Market segments are often divided into military, architectural, industrial, commercial and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The majority of acoustic systems in the industrial and commercial arenas have relied upon mass to reduce the low and mid frequency sound. As the noise level increases, the weight of the system grows. However, when the industry doubles the weight per square foot to reduce specific low frequency noise, the enhanced noise abatement is not significant, often exhibiting only a 2-3 dB reduction with the additional weight. Moreover, as the weight increases, the support system upon which the materials are installed also must be enhanced to accommodate both the acoustic panels and environmental factors such as wind or snow loads.

We now have a viable alternative that solves many of the issues noted above. DuPont LoWave is a new acoustic material that incorporates a patented passive technology. The actual material required for the technology to reduce low and mid frequency sounds (60 to 400Hz) is 1″ thick which allows the designer to add other materials to meet specific application requirements such as thermal, acoustic absorption, UV protection, etc. Moreover, the technology can easily be incorporated into existing passive systems, both flexible and rigid. As LoWave adds insignificant weight or thickness, fuel savings in the transportation sector is considerable. Moreover, LoWave can be inserted into existing acoustical systems without redesigning or reconfiguring parts. And LoWave is installed using typical methods for other acoustic materials. HVAC, yachts, aircraft, air compressors, generators, motors, fans grinders – the list of LoWave applications seems endless. Low frequency, LoWave.