Abstract: An acoustical ceiling tile having an improved sound absorption value and having a dual layer of acoustical materials. The base mat layer has either no mineral wool or a low mineral wool content. The surface layer has a high mineral wool content which provides improved sound absorption values with or without perforating or fissuring the tile. The dual layer acoustical ceiling tile has a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) value of at least about 0.50.

Abstract: A sound muffling material for use in combustion engine exhaust mufflers is provided. The material includes volumized fibers retained in compressed form by a material of lower softening temperature than the fibers. When the material is heated by exhaust gases, the material of lower softening temperature is softened allowing the compressed fibers to expand. The fibers may be formed into a knitted fabric retained by a sacrificial thread. The material may be used to support catalyst bricks.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an acoustic resonator, for example a Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Resonators (FBAR), on a substrate. A depression is etched and filled with sacrificial material. The FBAR is fabricated on the substrate spanning the depression, the FBAR having an etch hole. The depression may include etch channels in which case the FBAR may include etch holes aligned with the etch channels. A resonator resulting from the application of the technique is suspended in air and includes at least one etch hole and may include etch channels.

Abstract: An acoustically absorbent porous panel formed from a cured aqueous foamed cementitious material comprising on a wet basis of about 53% to about 68% by weight cement, about 17% to about 48% by weight water, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight fiber, and about 0.01% to about 10% by weight surfactant. The panel also has pores distributed within the cured material comprising about 75% to about 95% by volume of the material. The cement-based, foamed panel provides good acoustical performance with enhanced durability and moisture resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered, substantially rigid and self-supporting acoustical panel. Preferably, the panel includes an acoustically absorbent semi-rigid core having a substantially continuous interior porosity. The panel also includes an acoustically permeable face layer applied to a first face of the core, wherein the face layer is adapted to allow acoustical energy to pass through the face layer and into the acoustically absorbent core. The panel also includes a flame-retardant, calendered paper backing adapted to be applied to the core. According to the present invention, the panel may also include a flame-retardant adhesive adapted to attach the calendered, flame-retardant paper backing to the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viscoelastic damping foam with an adhesive surface for adhesion coupling to vibrating surfaces, for solid-borne sound absorption. The viscoelastic damping foam is obtained through the stoichiometric reaction of a polyisocyanate with at least two polyols of the polyether type which are incompatible with one another.

Abstract: A plate utilizable in a noise protection wall of fragile acrylic glass comprising a plurality of side by side synthetic monofilament plastic threads for embedded in and running along the plate for splinter binding on breakage of the glass wherein, at least one thread has a maximum deviation of 1 mm or more from a theoretical straight line connecting the ends of said thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finishing mortar for sound-absorbing coating of inner walls, ceilings and the like in buildings. It may be applied directly on concrete or some other carrying material or on underlying insulation material, such as mineral wool. The finishing mortar according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises cotton fibres and expanded mineral, such as perlite.

Abstract: Reduced-noise devices or their components, in particular engine or combustion units and their components or fluid-carrying systems and their components, which are constructed, partially or wholly, from thermoplastics and which, at a distance from the surfaces of the devices, have at least one perforated plate, which is firmly connected, rests essentially with a form fit on continuously circumferential attachments on the thermoplastic component and encase the devices, in part or completely.

Abstract: A system for improved sound absorption, including a substrate of porous insulation material and of a first air flow resistance, and a facing material attached to the substrate and of a second air flow resistance, wherein a total system resistance is a combination of the first and second air flow resistances, and wherein the total system resistance and the second air flow resistance are of relatively low values.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transparent noise-barrier wall which is slow to foul, easy to clean even when fouled, and capable of maintaining these effects over a long period of time. The transparent noise-barrier wall has brookite titanium dioxide substantially existing on the surface. The titanium dioxide particles preferably contain about 20% by mass or more of brookite titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A tunable sound absorber including a fibrous batt having a plurality of fibers and a film coupled to the surface of the fibrous batt, where the fibers penetrate the film to create perforations, and where the perforations transfer sound energy to the fibrous batt and the sound energy is absorbed by the fibrous batt.

Abstract: Microperforated polymeric films and sound absorbers using such films are provided. The microperforated polymeric films may be relatively thin and flexible and may further include holes having a narrowest diameter less than the film thickness and a widest diameter greater than the narrowest diameter. The microperforated polymeric films of a sound absorber may also have relatively large free span portions, which, in certain embodiments, may vibrate in response to incident sound waves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust device for a turbine engine, comprising a liner made of a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite. The liner is preferably fitted some distance away from the inside of the exhaust section. The liner has a thickness of 1 to 10 mm, preferably of 2 to 6 mm. There is a gap of at least 10 mm, preferably 10 to 40 mm, between the liner and the inside of the exhaust.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system includes an improved acoustic and tackable cover pad. The cover pad includes an interior molded panel which is compressed about its peripheral edges wherein the compressed edge sections provide the required rigidity for the cover pad. While edge rails are provided in these edge sections, the edge rails are not rigidly connected to each other but instead are adhered to the molded panel. The edge rails are provided for mounting the cover pad to a wall panel frame and provide rigid edge areas to which a cover fabric is adhered. The molded panel is formed of a fiberglass having layers of a scrim material embedded therein for tackability. The molded panel further includes a compressed mounting region which has an increased rigidity to facilitate mounting of receptacle bezels thereto.

Abstract: A noise insulating member having a low degree of water absorbency and a low degree of oil absorbency. The noise insulating member includes a polyurethane foam obtained by reaction of an organic polyisocyanate component and a polyol component in the presence of a fluorine-containing surfactant, and having a cellular network having cells and communication holes which communicate with said cells. The communication holes have respective diameters each of which is not larger than 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation panel to absorb and attenuate sound energy comprising an inner core including a plurality of cells formed therein and an outer membrane disposed on each side of the inner core to cooperatively form a plurality of sound attenuating chambers, each outer membrane includes an inner substrate of nonwoven meltblown microfiber acoustical absorbing fabric extending into each of the plurality of cells to cooperatively form the corresponding sound attenuating chamber therebetween and an outer facing to protect the corresponding inner substrate of nonwoven meltblown microfiber acoustical absorbing fabric.

Abstract: A vibration damped structure, which is excellent in vibration absorption and sound absorption effect, is provided by coating the surface of a structure to be damped with a mixture of molten photopolymerizable resin and a photopolymerization initiator and then subjecting the coated surface to irradiation, whereby a vibration damping coating is formed on said surface.

Abstract: A sound absorbing substrate for use as an underlayer in a flooring structure including a subfloor. The substrate is made of a resilient material and more particularly of recycled tires and comprises a bottom surface sized to cover a given surface area. This bottom surface is provided with cavities that preferably consist of parallel grooves extending at an angle of about 45° with respect to one side edge of the substrate. These cavities leave a portion only of the bottom surface in contact with the subfloor. The surface ratio of the portion of bottom surface in contact with the subfloor to the given surface area covered by the bottom surface ranges from 20 to 65%. Such substrates can be of reduced thickness while still having good sound absorbing properties.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing material and a cable reel including the same are produced inexpensively and are able to attenuate sliding noise and vibration noise. A sound-absorbing material 20 is made of a polyethylene film 20a and is formed into a thin waved sheet having continuous wave crests and wave troughs. A synthetic paper 20b having a lubricative surface is attached to the wave crests on a front side of the polyethylene film 20a through an adhesive. As an air layer 21 is defined in a space surrounded by the wave crests and wave troughs, any sounds which are transmitted to the polyethylene film 20a collide on the wave crests and wave troughs thereby being effectively attenuated and absorbed. The sound-absorbing material 20 is struck on a bearing surface 12a of a stationary member 11 by way of an adhesive. A lateral lower edge of a flat cable 15 slides on the lubricative surface of the synthetic paper 20b, thereby suppressing generation of sliding noise.

Abstract: Lightweight acoustic absorbers. The acoustic absorbers absorb energy during launch of a vehicle by a rocket, and are adapted to line the inside of a cavity of a fairing containing a vehicle. The absorbers comprise acoustic absorbing members, and a layer substantially surrounding the acoustic absorbing member which is substantially impermeable to contaminating particulates found within the fairing, and substantially impermeable to any contaminants which may be emitted by the acoustic absorbing member. A plurality of vents are cut in the layer, and a filter is placed over the vents to filter out any contaminants. The vents allow the gases within the fairing and the acoustic absorbing member to pass therethrough, thereby compensating for differential pressure.

Abstract: Method for filling cavities in workpieces or semi-finished products is provided, in which thermally foamable powdered carbon is added in fixed locations into the cavity to be filled and is heated together with the workpiece or semi-finished product in such fashion that the powdered carbon swells and fills the cavity as carbon foam, with the particles of powdered carbon in the delivered state being smaller than after foaming. A structural component is formed, especially a workpiece or semi-finished product for mounting on or in a motor vehicle body, having an enclosed chamber in which thermally foamable powdered carbon is added in a fixed location, with the powdered carbon being heated together with the structural element to swell the powdered carbon and form carbon foam.

Abstract: The use of a formaldehyde-free aqueous binder comprisingA) a polymer obtained by free-radical polymerization comprising 5-100% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated acid anhydride or of an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid whose carboxyl groups may form an anhydride group, andB) an alkanolamine having at least two hydroxyl groupsas a coating composition for shaped articles.

Abstract: An acoustic panel having at least two compressible, flexible, acoustic foam damping layers separated by at least two rigid layers. In one preferred embodiment, a first rigid layer has a second flexible foam layer spray applied, with a further spray application of a rigid third layer, followed by a spray application of a flexible foam fourth layer, followed by a spray application of a rigid fifth layer, followed by a spray application of a sixth flexible foam layer, finally followed by a spray application of a rigid seventh layer. Sound transmission through this embodiment is especially well attenuated at high audio frequencies.

Abstract: A sound dampening glazing, for example an automotive windshield, in one embodiment of the invention includes a pair of glass sheets having facilities therebetween. In cross section and moving from one glass sheet to the other, the facilities include a polyvinyl butyral sheet, an intermediate sheet having a surface harder than the surface of the interlayer to smooth the interlayer surface e.g. an intermediate polyester sheet, a sheet of dampening material, a polyester sheet, a polyvinyl butyral sheet. In another embodiment, the automotive windshield has two sheets of dampening material, the sheets have sound dampening properties in different temperature ranges to as to provide the automotive windshield with sound dampening properties over a wider temperature range. Methods for making the glazings of the instant invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound protection device for reducing the propagation of airborne sound comprises a track system and an elastically deformable, low sound-protecting wall made of rubber or plastic and extending in the longitudinal direction of the track. The sound-protecting wall is arranged at a distance to the track and on the side facing the track has a profile which essentially extends across the entire height of the wall. The side of the protecting wall facing away from the track has a generally even surface. The inner side is inclined at an angle a and the outer side at an angle .beta. to the track, whereby angle .beta. is greater than angle .alpha.. The profile of the inner side consists of a system of lips, which lips points towards the floor of the track at an angle .gamma.. The top of the low sound-protecting wall ends in a lip inclined towards the track, which lip points upwardly at an angle .delta..

Abstract: A sound insulating membrane and processes for forming, particularly well suited for use in floor, ceiling and wall constructions. The membrane comprises at least one backing layer in contact with a layer of nonfoam polymeric material. The polymeric material has an elongation factor of about 500% to about 900% and a Shore A hardness of from about 65 to about 80 points, 5 seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric material comprises 40-70% chlorinated polyethylene, 20-30% ethylene vinyl acetate, and up to 10% polyvinyl chloride. Floor, ceiling and wall constructions and related methods utilizing the sound insulating membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayered insulating panel having improved acoustic insulating properties and mechanical strength has two outer facings and a soft synthetic foam core having cavities. The foam core with the cavities is in intimate contact with the facings. The cavities are arranged so that the gaps between the core material and the outer facings are in alternate patterns with respect to the opposing outer facings.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an acoustic attenuation chambers within a honeycomb core. The honeycomb core have a plurality of honeycomb cells having interconnected side walls. A plurality of septum layers are spaced from one another within the honeycomb cells to define acoustic attenuation chambers between the septum layers and the side walls of the honeycomb cells. Each of the septum layers have an associated ablating wavelength and is transparent to the ablating wavelengths of the other septum layers. A laser beam having a laser wavelength is directed towards the septum layers. The laser beam is selectively absorbed by a septum layer which has an associated ablating wavelength equal to the laser wavelength to ablate apertures therethrough without ablating other septum layers.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing material and a cable reel including the same is produced inexpensively and attenuates sliding noise and vibration noise. A sound-absorbing material 20 has a dual layer structure comprising an upper rubber sheet 20b and a lower rubber sheet 20a. A front side surface 20e of the lower rubber sheet 20a and a back side surface 20f of the upper rubber sheet 20b are provided with a number of protrusions 20c and 20d, respectively. The front side surface 20e is opposed to the back side surface 20f through the protrusions 20c and 20d. The upper and lower rubber sheets 20b and 20a are integrated together by interconnecting the peripheral edges of the sheets to form the sound-absorbing material 20. The sound-absorbing material 20 has a thickness of about 1.3 mm and an air layer 21 between the upper and lower rubber sheets 20b and 20a.

Abstract: A lightweight and inexpensive soundproof material which is reclaimable comprises a thermoplastic resin substrate and a non-woven cloth laminated on a surface of the substrate and made from thermoplastic resin fibers different from the material of the substrate. The assembly of fibers and the substrate are bonded together integrally through a joint interface which is at least partially molten by ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A composition suitable for making acoustical tiles in a water-felting process comprises expanded perlite, clay, a binder component selected from the group consisting of starch, latex, cellulosic fiber and mixtures thereof and optionally mineral wool. The use of an expanded perlite having a relatively high density, preferably between about 9 pounds per cubic foot to about 20 pounds per cubic foot, enables the formation of a suitable slurry with a relatively low amount of water and enables a more complete dewatering of the mat prior to drying.

Abstract: There is provided a light-weight ceramic acoustic absorber including an alumina based ceramic containing SiC whiskers, as a perforated body with a void ratio in the range of 80 to 92%, where there are voids with a mean diameter in the range of 50 to 450 .mu.m near the front surface of the body, and the void diameters are larger towards the rear surface of the body, and a mean diameter of the voids is in the range of 500 to 3,400 .mu.m near the rear surface of the body, and there is an increasing trend in void diameters from the front to the rear surfaces. The light-weight ceramic acoustic absorber provides various advantages such as light weight, high resistance to thermal stresses, high acoustic absorptivity, and high resistance to the gas jet from a jet engine.

Abstract: An acoustical web for use with vehicles, farm equipment, airplanes and trains is disclosed. The web has a plurality of layers of cellulose bonded with a binder.

Abstract: This invention provides a thin metallic sheet structure having excellent sound damping characteristics which can lower the sound pressure level of a sound inherent to a thin metallic sheet structure when this structure is patted, and can quickly damp the sound by a simple structure. In a flat sheet-like or box-like structure comprising a thin metallic external sheet and beams for reinforcing the external sheet, a thin metallic sheet structure having excellent sound damping characteristics according to the present invention employs the construction wherein the reinforcing beams 2 are brought into contact with one of the surfaces of the thin metallic external sheet 1 through a sound damping sheet 3, and the coupling state between the sound damping sheet 3 and the thin metallic external plate 1 or the reinforcing beams 2 is a non-coupling state or a discrete coupling state on at least one of the surfaces of the sound damping sheet 3.

Abstract: Noise is attenuated through use of an acoustical insulation 10 that includes a molded, three-dimensional nonwoven web that contains organic microfibers 12 and heat activatable staple fibers 14 where the heat activatable staple fibers 14 are bonded to each other and to the microfibers 12 at various contact points. The web contains greater than 15 weight percent heat activatable staple fibers, has a thickness of about 0.5 centimeters or greater, and a density of less than 250 kilograms per cubic meter and preferably contains bulking staple fiber 16. The acoustical insulation is positioned between a source area and a receiving area such that a major face of the insulation intercepts and thereby significantly attenuates sound waves passing from the source area to the receiving area.

Abstract: A sound absorption laminate comprises a porous insulation substrate, such as, a glass, polymeric or natural fiber blanket or a foamed polymeric resin sheet and a facing sheet with a high air flow resistance. The facing sheet is superimposed upon a surface of the porous insulation substrate to augment the acoustical properties of the substrate. With the facing sheet the air flow resistance of the laminate is greater than the air flow resistance of the substrate and the laminate exhibits a higher sound absorption coefficient than the sound absorption coefficient of the substrate. Thus, the laminate exhibits better sound absorption properties than the substrate and is suitable for sound absorption applications for which the substrate alone would not be suitable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound insulating structure including low-density and high-density layers. The low-density layer has first and second fibrous layers and ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/m.sup.2 in surface density. The first and second fibrous layers are respectively made of first and second thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The first and second fibers respectively have first and second single fiber diameters, each of which diameters is in a range of from 3 to 40 .mu.m, and first and second fiber lengths, each of which lengths is in a range of from 10 to 100 mm. The high-density layer is formed on the low-density layer and is made of an air-impermeable polymer material and has a surface density that is higher than that of the low-density layer and ranges from 1 to 10 kg/m.sup.2. The low-density layer is high in sound-absorption coefficient and at the same time low in spring constant. Therefore, the sound insulating structure becomes substantially improved in sound insulating capability.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite building material is provided which allows effective utilization of forest resources by using so-called low quality materials such as small-diameter wood, old wood, pieces of wood produced as byproducts of lumbering, and/or bamboo. The material can meet various requirements and properties, and can be produced at a low cost. In a structural layer, an adhesive agent is applied to a plurality of finely split pieces which are formed by finely splitting a raw material such as wood or bamboo. The finely split pieces are arranging in parallel to a fiber direction. A shock/vibration-absorbing layer is formed by applying an adhesive agent to small pieces of wood and bamboo and the like. Structural layers and shock/vibration-absorbing layers are alternately arranged to provide a multi-layered structure. The structure is press-molded to a predetermined thickness and optionally heated such that the layers are adhered together to produce the composite multi-layered material.

Abstract: A sound dampening glazing, for example an automotive windshield, in one embodiment includes a pair of glass sheets. In cross section and moving from one glass sheet to the other there is an interlayer e.g. polyvinyl butyral, an intermediate sheet e.g. a polyester sheet having a surface harder than the surface of the interlayer to smooth the interlayer surface, a sheet of dampening material, an intermediate sheet, an interlayer and the other glass sheet. In another embodiment, the glazing has two sheets of dampening material each having different sound dampening temperature range to provide the glazing with sound dampening properties over a broader temperature range. A method for making the glazing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A garage door insulation system includes a garage door having a major surface, an insulation layer of mineral fiber insulating material having a major surface, and an asphalt layer positioned between the major surfaces of the garage door and the insulation layer. The asphalt layer provides sound damping for the garage door. Preferably the asphalt layer acts as an adhesive to bond the insulation layer to the garage door. In a preferred embodiment, the major surface of the garage door is contoured, and the asphalt layer and insulation layer are deformable to the contour of the garage door.

Abstract: A building panel is formed using particulate mineral material, such as sand, with an adhesive binder, to form an aggregate. The mix undergoes a heating process to cure the adhesive, which also produces a porosity in the panel. The relative quantities of the materials are such that the resulting panel is porous after heating, with the interstices between particles being devoid of binder material. The resulting porosity provides for the limited passage of air and moisture, particularly water vapor, through the panels so the panels may "breathe" to allow circulation through a structure composed of the present panels, and also provides acoustic properties. The present panels are non-flammable, in accordance with the non-flammable materials used in the formation thereof. The panels may be colored or tinted as desired, by adding a coloring material (epoxy paint or other suitable coloring agent) which may be mixed with the sand and adhesive binder before heating.

Abstract: A sag resistant, cast acoustical ceiling tile which has a mineral wool core and a starch binder and which has a formaldehyde resin impregnated paper backing. A kraft paper backing which has been impregnated with a melamine formaldehyde resin has been found particularly effective in providing sag resistance in high temperature, high humidity conditions such as encountered in Pacific Rim countries. A method has been developed to manufacture the sag resistant, cast acoustical ceiling tile wherein water is applied to the paper backing prior to machining and painting to provide a tile which has a relatively flat initial plane position.

Abstract: A soundproofing material 10 is applied to a vehicle hood panel 14 on the side facing the engine compartment. The soundproofing material 10 as a whole has a sheet-like form and includes a pulverized rubber layer 11 containing rubber grains of various kinds of material, various sizes and various shapes and covering layers 12 which cover the pulverized rubber layer 11. Noises are absorbed topically by a number of rubber grains within the soundproofing material 10 and by air gaps present between the rubber grains. While noise generating sources such as an engine, an induction system unit, transmissions and so on are housed in the engine compartment, noises ranging over a plurality of wavelength are generated by them yet are absorbed by the pulverized rubber layer 11, because the pulverized rubber layer 11 contains a mixture of rubber grains of various kinds, various sizes and various shapes, and the frequency level of the noise to be absorbed by each rubber grain is different piece by piece.

Abstract: An acoustically absorbing device is presented which can be mounted in the ructure of a vehicle. The acoustic absorbing device includes an acoustic barrier layer proximate the structure surface, an acoustic absorption material layer adjacent the acoustic barrier layer, and isolation mounts mounting the acoustic absorption material to the structure. The acoustic barrier layer includes either a barrier layer of free airspace or a barrier layer of an acoustic barrier material that is heat resistant and fluid resistant. The acoustic absorption layer is made of a material capable of dispersing incident normal pressure waves within the structure, such as a sintered aluminum absorption material. The mounts are typically spaced throughout the structure and typically include an isolation mounting device that provides isolation from vibrations in the structure.

Abstract: A vibrationally and acoustically insulated structure includes a structure using enclosing a source of internally generated noise and vibrations. The structure further includes a vibration and acoustic insulating device positioned over a portion of the internal surface of the housing and having a vibration damping portion and acoustic absorbing portion. The vibration damping portion, such as a constrained damping layer having a continuous damping layer and a segmented constraining layer of individual rigid segments, reduces vibrations transmitted through the structure housing. The acoustic absorbing portion includes an acoustic barrier layer adjacent the constrained damping layer, an acoustic absorption layer adjacent to the acoustic barrier layer and one or more mounts for mounting the acoustic absorption layer and acoustic barrier layer to the constrained damping layer. The acoustic absorption device reduces the reverberating acoustic waves within the structure housing.

Abstract: A vibrationally damped structure includes a structure that is susceptible vibrations and a constrained damping layer positioned over at least a portion of the vibrating structure. The constrained damping layer includes a continuous damping layer bonded to the surface of the structure for providing the first reduction of vibrational energy transmitted through the structure. The constrained damping layer further includes a segmented constraining layer bonded to a portion of the continuous damping layer for providing a second reduction of vibrational energy transmitted through the structure and the continuous damping layer. The continuous damping layer preferably includes a layer of elastomeric material bonded to the structure with an epoxy bonding compound or the like. The segmented constraining layer includes a plurality of rigid segments, such as aluminum plates, bonded to the continuous damping layer with a bonding compound.

Abstract: A rigid acoustic insulator panel for use as a sound insulator is disclosed. The panel is composed of a rigid matrix formed of randomly oriented, fused silica fibers having fiber diameters predominantly in the range between 0.5 and 2 .mu.m. The matrix has a three-dimensionally continuous network of open, intercommunicating voids, and a density of between about 2 and 6 lb/ft.sup.3. In one embodiment, the panel has greater flow resistance characteristics, progressing from a sound-absorbing side of the matrix to the opposite panel side. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the panel.

Abstract: An insulating element for buildings and more particularly, for walls, ceilings and roofs, consists of a sheepswool fleece which is sandwiched between two layers of needled non-woven material consisting of sheepswool. The fleece and the needled non-woven material are connected together by fibers thereof to constitute a unit able to be handled as such.

Abstract: A method for attenuating sound waves passing from a source area to a receiving area comprises the steps of providing a nonwoven acoustical insulation web comprising thermoplastic fibers, the web having an average effective fiber diameter of less than about 15 microns, a density of less than about 50 kg/m.sup.3, and an air pressure drop across the web of at least about 1 Mm water at a flow rate of about 32 liters/min.; and positioning the web between the source area and the receiving area such that a major face of the web intercepts and thereby attenuates sound waves passing from the source area to the receiving area. Also, a laminate adapted to be applied to the inner panel of a vehicle door comprises the web and a second layer, such as a scrim, nonwoven fabric, film, or foil, laminated thereto. The laminate can be applied to the inner panel of a vehicle door so that the second layer provides water barrier protection and the web provides acoustical insulation.