CTA Acoustics Presents QuietBlend(TM) Development At Inter-Noise 2003 in South Korea

Major development by CTA Acoustics presented to international noise control engineering community

SEOGWIPO, South Korea, Aug. 26 -- CTA Acoustics presented a detailed look at its new QuietBlend(TM) material here today at the 2003 Inter- Noise Congress & Exposition at the Jeju International Convention Center. QuietBlend(TM) is a major breakthrough in thermal and acoustical insulation for the automotive industry that promises automakers better performance than traditional insulation products at a more competitive cost.

Clifford A. Hodge, director of program management and material engineering presented his paper on "Maximizing Automotive Insulation Performance Using Fiber Composites" to an international crowd of acoustical engineers and executives.

"One of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry today is that of meeting the ever increasing demands for quieter, more fuel-efficient cars and trucks while adding features and passenger comfort," said Hodge. "For sound and heat absorbing parts, this has translated into a need for greater insulating abilities at lighter weight, lower cost, and increased ergonomic friendliness."

QuietBlend(TM) is a unique, patented blend of man-made and natural fibers that CTA developed after extensively reviewing and testing current market products in order to develop a "hybrid" product that provides the best of all the materials involved.

"Our team combined multiple natural and synthetic fibers to create QuietBlend, which improves sound and heat absorption by 15 to 25 percent over any of the base fibrous products alone," Hodge said. "With this new product, we still maintain high heat resistance, low irritation, low flammability and high loft."

CTA Acoustics evaluated QuietBlend(TM) in several tests such as acoustical performance, thermal absorption and heat resistance in order to compare it to other products in its class, including fiberglass, polyester, cotton shoddy and melamine foam. Acoustical performance was evaluated by testing flat samples for absorption in a random incidence reverberation room per ASTM C- 423. This test is accepted as the standard tool for comparing the sound absorption properties of dissimilar stock materials.

"What we were able to achieve with the QuietBlend mix of materials is a sound absorption that is significantly improved over fiberglass alone," Hodge said. "Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for thermal and acoustical insulation in the automotive industry because of its characteristics and cost. But with QuietBlend, there is reduced fiber fallout making the product safer and easier to handle by manufacturing employees."

Thermal absorption of QuietBlend and other materials in its class were evaluated by using a heat flow meter per ASTM Standard C-518. This test is typically used to determine the thermal transmission and absorption properties of heat shields and insulators in an automotive engine environment or building.

"Thermal performance consist of tow components: the ability of the material to protect other products from thermal damage; and, the ability of the material itself to withstand high temperatures without degradation," said Hodge. "QuietBlend maintains high thermal performance despite the inclusion of materials such as polyester and natural fibers which are historically more susceptible to heat aging."

CTA also evaluated QuietBlend and the other material against the U.S. Federal flammability safety standard (FMVSS-201). QuietBlend and Fiberglass performed best in the testing and scored in the top of five flammability classes.

QuietBlend products provide a minimum sustained operating temperature of 650 degrees F with even higher temperatures attainable. Quiet Blend(TM) also can be optimized for each application, providing the best acoustical characteristics while meeting rugged under-hood and underbody conditions. And, because of its durability and molded characteristics, it is suitable for use in applications throughout the vehicle.

Several independent parties have verified CTA Acoustics' test results for QuietBlend including Kolano & Saha for acoustical properties and ACT Laboratories and Bodycote for the material characteristics.

Hodge summarized QuietBlend as a next-generation material that takes the best characteristics of previous products, and improves upon them with better sound absorption, lower weight, and competitive cost. Many of today's automotive and commercial insulation products are made of fiberglass mat because it provides high performance at a relatively low cost. Other products in the market differ greatly, with many being less absorptive, heavier, or much more expensive than QuietBlend.

CTA Acoustics sees the QuietBlend material as a natural for automotive applications including engine compartment thermal and acoustical insulation; underbody (floor heat shields) and duct work insulation; trunks and cargo storage areas; interior trim panels and under carpet as well as wheel wells, fenders and body panel insulation. QuietBlend goes into production this fall and will first be used on Ford Motor Company's F-Series trucks.

CTA focuses on the research, design, engineering, manufacturing and integration of thermal and acoustical products for a variety of applications. These unique insulation products effectively manage noise and heat energy to make passenger cars, trucks, appliances, ventilation systems and other products quieter, more energy efficient, more comfortable and safer under demanding conditions.

Based in Madison Heights, Mich., CTA Acoustics is a privately held, full- service supplier of acoustical and thermal insulation products for the automotive industry and is the only company in its industry segment developing and producing its own materials for engine compartment, interior and industrial applications.