Researchers create ultra-thin silk fabric for advanced noise suppression

Photo byPhoto by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

Researchers have developed a silk fabric that suppresses noise through innovative mechanisms involving piezoelectric materials. This fabric, just slightly thicker than a human hair, integrates a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical signal in response to vibrations caused by sound waves.

The fabric suppresses sound in two primary ways. The first method converts electrical signals into mechanical movements, causing the silk to vibrate and produce sound waves that cancel out unwanted noise, akin to noise-cancelling headphones. This technique is effective in small, enclosed spaces but less in larger areas such as rooms or offices.

The fabric employs a second mechanism to manage sound in larger spaces that immobilizes vibrations, preventing sound transmission through the material. By stretching the silk and keeping the fibres still, sound waves are reflected toward their source, much like light reflecting off a mirror.

The fabric’s effectiveness varies based on the pore size between fibres. Researchers found that smaller pores improved sound suppression, particularly for high-frequency sounds, while more significant gaps were more effective for low-frequency sounds. Compared to fabrics like muslin, silk with smaller pores proved more efficient.

Offering a compact and lightweight alternative to traditional soundproofing methods like thick walls, this silk fabric can reduce sound volumes by up to 65 decibels and dampen sound transmission by up to 75%. Future developments aim to incorporate electronics and advanced signal processing to further enhance the fabric’s noise-blocking capabilities, paving the way for improved sound control in various environments, including homes, offices, and public transportation.