Innovative Composite Material Balances Rigidity with Superior Vibration Damping

ETH Zurich researchers develop a groundbreaking laminate combining stiffness and damping, promising versatile applications.

The new composite material features layers of rigid glass or silicon connected by ultra-thin rubber-like layers, achieving both stiffness and effective vibration damping.
Developed by Ioanna Tsimouri and her team, the material's unique properties were verified through theoretical calculations and practical laboratory tests.
The laminate demonstrated excellent acoustic and mechanical damping in tests, significantly outperforming pure glass in reducing noise and preventing bounce.
The material's potential applications include aerospace, automotive, and sensor technology, where advanced damping materials are in high demand.
The laminate is sustainable, as its components are easily recyclable, and the technology is scalable for manufacturing large panels.