Sound-Absorbing Aerogel

Sound-Absorbing Aerogel : Recently, scientists developed a revolutionary sound-absorbing aerogel (Dual-Layer) inspired by the acoustic properties of owl feathers, aiming to create next-generation noise-reduction materials.

• Why Owl: Owls use porous skin and fringed feathers to suppress sound while flying.

o This natural stealth inspired researchers to replicate owl anatomy for sound-absorbing technology.

• Dual-Layer Aerogel Technology: Published in: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

o Structure: Bottom layer: Made from hexane droplets, forming a porous honeycomb and it absorbs low-frequency noise

o Top layer: Contains nanofibers mimicking owl feathers and dampens high-frequency sound

• Performance: Absorbs 58% of incoming sound waves

o Reduces automobile engine noise from 87.5 dB to 78.6 dB

o More effective than conventional noise-absorbing materials

o Survives 100 compression cycles with only 5% deformation

• About Noise Pollution : a major public health hazard, not just an irritant.

o Linked to serious health issues: Hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, stress and anxiety

o It is a Metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes)

o WHO ranks noise pollution as the second largest environmental health risk in Western Europe, after air pollution.