Reducing Sound with Damping Materials and PSA Tapes

Unwanted noise is more than just an inconvenience, it can often lead to safety hazards, reduced efficiency, and even compliance issues. Whether it’s the hum of industrial machinery, the vibrations in automotive panels, or the reverberations in HVAC ductwork, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) can be found everywhere! While acoustical insulation helps reduce the decibel levels, only sound damping can eliminate sound at its source. Sound damping plays a critical role in improving operational conditions for many industries. That’s why sound damping materials are often used in conjunction with adhesive solutions. These materials reduce structural vibrations that cause airborne noise, increasing user comfort and component performance. In applications where space constraints make traditional soundproofing methods impractical, combining these materials with pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes provides an efficient solution that works. 

Where are Sound-Damping Tapes and Materials Used?

PSA tapes engineered for sound damping are widely used across multiple industries, with each sector having unique requirements based on the type of noise they need to mitigate: 

• Automotive Industry: sound damping materials reduce cabin noise, controlling vibrations in door panels, wheel wells, and underbodies. 

• Construction Applications: sound damping materials improve building acoustics and help soundproof floors, walls, and ceilings. 

• Industrial Machinery: sound damping materials minimize vibrations from motors, pumps, and heavy equipment. 

• Electronics Applications: sound damping materials prevent acoustic interference and structural noise in small devices. 

• HVACR Systems: sound damping materials reduce vibrations and operational noise caused by fans and motors, which can become amplified in ducting and ventilation units. 

PSA Tapes Offer an Effective Sound Damping Solution

PSA tapes provide a versatile and efficient alternative to bulky acoustic insulation and other soundproofing materials. By integrating viscoelastic materials with adhesive backings, these tapes serve as a flexible, space-saving solution for noise and vibration reduction. The viscoelastic nature of these tapes enables them to convert vibrational energy into low-level heat, dissipating noise without requiring additional structural modifications. Their peel-and-stick application simplifies installation while maintaining strong, durable adhesion to a variety of surfaces. 

However, not all sound-damping materials perform equally well. The effectiveness of PSA tapes in reducing noise depends on their unique properties. When looking for an effective sound damping material, assess the material’s: 

• Density and Thickness: heavier and thicker materials absorb more sound by reducing transmission of vibrations. 

• Viscoelasticity: the ability to deform and recover helps in dissipating vibrational energy as heat. 

• Adhesive Strength: this is important if you need a long-term bond to surfaces, particularly in high-motion or high-vibration environments. 

• Thermal and Moisture Resistance: helps maintain performance despite extreme temperatures, humidity, or chemical exposure. 

• Durability and Longevity: wear resistance can occur in applications exposed to mechanical stress, UV radiation, or environmental elements. 

Sound Damping Materials Options that Can be Combined with PSA Tapes

The choice of material significantly impacts the performance of a sound-damping PSA tape. At Engineered Materials, we can help you determine which materials best suit your application, which can include: 

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber is a high-performance elastomer known for its excellent damping capabilities. It is widely used in automotive applications where superior vibration absorption is required. It’s known for its: 

• High-density, flexible structure that effectively absorbs sound and vibrations. 

• Resistance to extreme temperatures, making it suitable for both hot engine compartments and cold environments. 

• Outstanding moisture resistance, preventing degradation over time. 

• Common applications: door panels, wheel wells, underbodies, and industrial equipment. 

Bitumen Elastomer

Bitumen-based damping materials like 3M™ 08840 offer a cost-effective and durable soundproofing solution. It’s often used in the automotive and industrial sectors. Bitumen elastomer-based PSA tapes provide: 

• High damping efficiency, especially in lower frequency ranges. 

• Strong adhesion to metal, plastics, and composites. 

• Resistance to temperature fluctuations and moisture ingress. 

Foam Sound Damping Tapes

Foam materials (both single-sided foam tapes and double-sided foam tapes) provide a lightweight yet effective method for controlling noise and vibrations, with different foam types offering unique advantages. Some foam PSA tape options include: 

• Open-Cell Polyurethane Foams: offer excellent for absorbing airborne noise but at lower densities is less effective against structural vibrations. High density polyurethane foams like Poron and Isoloss provides good vibration absorption. 

• Closed-Cell Foams: very good structural vibration control while maintaining some acoustic absorption as well. 

• Foam Composites: combine PSA tapes, foam, and film layers improves soundproofing for specialized applications, such as HVAC systems and electronic enclosures. 

Vinyl-Based Tapes

Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is a dense, flexible material often used in construction and industrial applications. Engineers turn to this tape because of its: 

• High mass-to-thickness ratio for effective noise blocking. 

• Superior performance in multi-layer tape constructions. 

• Excellent for wall, ceiling, and industrial soundproofing applications. 

Cork Composite Tapes

Cork composite materials offer a unique balance of flexibility and sound damping. They are also a sustainable alternative for various applications. These types of tapes are known for their: 

• Naturally lightweight yet effective at reducing vibrations. 

• Ability to be used in flooring and wall applications for acoustic insulation. 

• Moderate sound damping with added environmental benefits. 

Acrylic-Based Soundproofing Tapes

Acrylic-based adhesives offer a lightweight and high-strength alternative for vibration control. They are highly suitable for electronics, appliances, and applications that require thin, flexible materials. Because of their composition, they provide moderate noise absorption with excellent temperature and moisture resistance. Among these tapes are acrylic aluminum sound damping tapes like 3M 2552 and those manufactured by Nitto. These tapes combine acrylic adhesives with aluminum backing for structural soundproofing, giving you a dead soft aluminum foil tape that is designed for application to vibrating panels and support members. The unique construction of these tapes gives them the ability to control resonant vibrations in temperature ranges of 32° to 140°F (0° to 60°C). 

How to Choose the Right Sound Deadening Tape for Your Application 

Selecting the right PSA tape for sound damping depends on several factors: 

Identify the Type of Noise

• Airborne noise (e.g., sound traveling through the air) is best addressed using foam-based or MLV tapes. 

• Impact noise (e.g., vibrations from mechanical components) requires high-density materials like butyl rubber or bitumen elastomers. 

Surface Compatibility & Adhesion Requirements

• Ensure the adhesive can bond effectively to metal, plastic, glass, or other substrates. 

• Consider removable vs. permanent adhesion based on application needs. 

Environmental Considerations

• Exposure to heat, cold, moisture, and chemicals can affect performance. Choose materials with high resistance to these factors.  

Industry Standards & Regulations 

• Maintain compliance with sector-specific requirements, such as automotive NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) standards or building acoustic codes. 

Find the Right Sound Damping Material for Your Application 

From high-density butyl rubber for automotive applications to acrylic-based soundproofing tapes for electronics, the right choice can make a significant difference in performance and longevity. Looking for the right material? Let our adhesive experts help. Get in touch with us today to talk about the best solution for your application.