Acoustiblok – The Science

Mass law and stiffness are the backbone of Acoustiblok. Mass law, the principle concept used in the evaluation of engineering solutions to combat sound transmission in buildings, has been used for decades by industry contractors. Unfortunately mass law is subject to the law of diminishing returns. The initial doubling of density yields the most improvement. Each successive doubling produces proportionally less STC improvement, resulting in an increase in cost per STC increase.

Stiffness, or rather an absence thereof, is a huge contributor to how well a barrier can attenuate sound/noise at specific frequencies. The less stiff the material, the more internal damping (energy loss from internal friction) it possesses. Acoustiblok employs the best of both.

At 1/8″ thick, and 1 pound per square foot, Acoustiblok is the right balance of mass and flexibility. Acoustical energy is efficiently converted to frictional energy and dissipated within the material. Given the fact that Acoustiblok is air tight, the sound has difficulty passing through the membrane. This minimizes the amount of acoustical energy that can pass through a construction assembly incorporating Acoustiblok.

Acoustiblok – The Technology

Using advancements in polymer technologies and organic composites, we were able to create a flexible sheet with acoustical properties similar to lead but made with non-toxic, recycled materials to meet the criteria of our initial concept.

Compounds were studied, tests were conducted and Acoustiblok was born. Several changes were made to old formulae, giving us distinct advantages compared to existing generic barrier materials. Acoustiblok’s unique formula yields an increase of internal damping (due to its flexibility) and is classified for over 400 U.L. (Underwriter’s Laboratories) construction assemblies.

Acoustiblok – The Product

Acoustiblok is the name of both our company and our product! It is a recyclable, viscoelastic polymer consisting of recycled plastics and heavy minerals that are compounded and then pressed into a membrane. Acoustiblok is used to enhance the STC of construction assemblies by creating a greater amount of internal damping and forming an airtight noise/sound barrier from one room to another. Acoustiblok is a highly effective material at reducing airborne sound/noise. Acoustiblok has a thickness of 1/8″, weighs 1 pound per square foot and comes on rolls that are 54″ wide by 30′ long. We also supply 60′ and 350′ lengths as well.

The acoustical property of Acoustiblok is stated as an STC of 26. This is the term used to describe a construction material’s ability to reduce sound transmission. Due to the lack of stiffness and mass per square foot, Acoustiblok has a unique and linear transmission loss.

Our material is not to be confused with NRC type materials. Acoustiblok is used for sound/noise isolation, not absorbency. Acoustiblok can help isolate sounds from within or outside of a room, but will not change the sound or tonal quality of an interior space. Architectural sound panels that have totally different characteristics will change the sound.