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If you live near busy streets, a new breakthrough from Switzerland may offer some long-awaited relief. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratory of Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed an ultra-thin traffic absorber that greatly reduces sound levels while taking up only a small portion of the space required for traditional materials.
The new absorber is only about 2.1 inches thick, but it performs well in the form of larger products such as rock wool. Even more impressive, it can be customized to target specific types of noise, making it ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
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Ultra-thin flow absorber. (but)
How new materials work
Innovation lies in the composition of the material: multi-layer mineral foam made of gypsum or cement. Each layer contains holes of different sizes designed to force air particles to travel in longer, more winding paths. This extended journey helps to emit sound waves more efficiently than flat or uniform insulation.
EMPA researchers also used numerical modeling to simulate how sound moves through the material. By adjusting the aperture, perforation pattern, and layer thickness, they can fine-tune acoustic performance for a specific space or noise type. This control makes the absorber suitable for locations from quiet stairwells to bustling office environments.
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Ultra-thin flow absorber. (but)
Real-world tests in Zurich
To test the material in the real world, the EMPA team installed prototypes in Zurich’s driveway. They cover about 130 square feet of wall space and the panels are over 2 inches thick. One end of the driveway opens up the busy street, while the other end leads to a quiet courtyard.
The results are direct and measurable. Traffic noise dropped by up to 4 decibels. The sound reduction is most noticeable when the car enters or exits the driveway, as the panel causes the noise to bounce multiple times before reaching the yard. In the context, reducing 4 Bebels is enough to obviously reduce the stimulation caused by street noise, especially in densely populated urban areas.
The porous layers of the new absorbers have different thicknesses. (but)
Designed for flexibility, for the future
One of the best features of this sound absorber is that it requires very little space. Traditional insulation tends to eat valuable inches, limiting where it can be used. This thin material provides architects, interior designers and developers with more freedom to include noise protection in every inch of important area.
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The panels can also withstand outdoor elements. They are weatherproof, fire-resistant and are made of recyclable materials, making them both durable and environmentally responsible. Since they do not release harmful particles, indoors can also be used safely in places like schools, offices and apartment buildings.
Capture: Still handmade
Although design and performance are promising, current production methods present challenges. The panel perforation is still done manually, making it time consuming and difficult to scale. However, EMPA has partnered with Swiss manufacturer De Cavis to simplify production and prepare for a wider range of commercial uses. Once automated, the material may become a standard feature in a building project where noise control and space efficiency are top priorities.
Aspirator tested in driveways in Zurich. (but)
What does this mean to you
If you are dealing with ongoing background noise from traffic, nearby businesses, or shared walls, such products can be a game-changer. Absorbents mean you can eventually enjoy peace and tranquility without sacrificing your living or working space.
Whether you are a homeowner who wants to be quiet on the bedroom walls, a property manager who renovates an apartment building, or an architect who designs a new office building, this material opens up the possibility that traditional insulation simply does not exist.
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Kurt’s key points
Noise pollution will not only disturb your day; it will affect your health, mood, and productivity. That’s why a versatile, slim and powerful absorber like this is more than just a material upgrade. This is a lifestyle upgrade. While not widely used yet, work to bring this technology to market shows that quieter cities, homes and workplaces may be much earlier than expected.
Would you do this if you could cut traffic noise outside the window in half using a thinner panel than a paperback? By writing to us, let us know cyberguy.com/contact.
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