Abstract: A method of making an acoustic insulator includes depositing thermoplastic particulate on a first surface of a base layer. The method further includes heating the particulate such that the particulate at least partially melts and penetrates the first surface of the base layer, thereby increasing density and airflow resistance of the base layer proximate the first surface such that the base layer has an areal mass in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 kg/m2 and an airflow resistance in the range of 300 to 5,000 Nsm?3 proximate the first surface.

Abstract: An acoustic insulator includes a first layer having an outer surface and an inner surface and a second layer having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer layer of the second layer is disposed adjacent to and engaging the inner surface of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the acoustic insulator.

Abstract: A sound absorber includes a molded sheet having a first side and a second side. The first side of the molded sheet is substantially non-planar while the second side is such that the molded sheet can be placed proximate to an automobile component surface with the second surface adjacent to or opposing the automobile component surface. The first side has a surface area that is greater than an equivalent surface area of a planar surface. A method of forming the sound absorber includes compression molding of thermosetting materials.

Abstract: Acoustical insulation for attenuating sound entering the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. The acoustical insulator comprises dual nonwoven layers in which one nonwoven layer is an airflow control layer and the second nonwoven layer is a support layer positioned between the cap layer and the sheet metal of the firewall separating the passenger and engine compartments. The areal density of the cap layer is less than the areal density of the support layer and, preferably, comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. The cap layer has a specific airflow resistance ranging from about 200 mks Rayls to about 1200 mks Rayls.

Abstract: A method of making an acoustic insulator includes depositing thermoplastic particulate on a first surface of a base layer. The method further includes heating the particulate such that the particulate at least partially melts and penetrates the first surface of the base layer, thereby increasing density and airflow resistance of the base layer proximate the first surface such that the base layer has an areal mass in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 kg/m2 and an airflow resistance in the range of 300 to 5,000 Nsm?3 proximate the first surface.

Abstract: A perforated hard trim construction for incorporation into a an automobile interior with sound absorbing properties is provided. In one variation, the perforated hard trim construction includes a non-perforated metal component and a perforated hard trim component having a plurality of openings and connected to the non-perforated metal component. The plurality of openings have a sufficient total area such that the random incidence absorption coefficient is greater than about 0.1 for one-third octave center frequencies from about 1000 to about 10000 Hz. In an important variation, an porous sound absorbing material is interposed between the non-perforated hard trim component and the perforated hard trim component.