Innovative electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone based materials for soundproofing

Nowadays, the reduction of the noise level, which is generated by engines has become an important challenge. In order to reduce the damages induced by a continuous exposition to vibrations, the production of suitable soundproofing materials is rising attention. For this reason, there is an interest in having sound absorbing blankets of low thickness and/or weight. The final focus is the design and the production of a new solution for thermoacoustic insulation blankets intended for aviation applications based on electrospinning, which has been recognized as an efficient technique for the fabrication of polymer nanofibers. Water resistant self-extinguishing soundproofing polyvinylpyrrolidone/silica mats, acoustically effective at low and medium frequencies, were produced through an eco-friendly electrospinning process. The silica particles stabilize dimensionally the electrospun mats upon thermal treatments that confers water resistance and strongly contribute to the self-extinguishing property. Preliminary results suggest that the mats have potential application for thermal insulation.