Water-based damping coatings in vehicle structure-borne noise control
Noise management bears on ride comfort. A water-based damping coating uses the elastomer formed on drying to dissipate vibration energy and turn structure-borne noise into heat, which reduces airborne noise in the cabin.
Principle
After the coating dries and cures, the elastomer formed by the damping resin dissipates and absorbs vibration, converting sound energy into heat. Structure-borne noise then travels less and the noise in the cabin falls.
Where it is used
Use has spread step by step to key areas such as the body, the underbody and the engine bay. The coating can be applied directly to surfaces of different materials and structures. It adds mass, so the net weight and thickness should be assessed against the comparison method.
Challenges at this stage
The challenges now centre on lowering production and application cost and on adapting to different application environments. The specific model and process should be assessed against the vehicle and its operating conditions.