MLV is a much-discussed material and BlastBlock has created it’s optimized version engineered in the Netherlands with added aluminium.
What is MLV ?
MLV is the abbreviation for Mass Loaded Vinyl and it has been used for soundproofing for over 50 years.
It is a viscoelastic material like polyvinylchloride (PVC /vinyl) that is loaded with a stiff material, this is what gives it it’s strong noise dampening properties. The inert material that is added is calcium carbonate or barium sulfate.
Viscoelastic materials with added rigid properties have 2 main active noise dampening properties, they are soft and will permanently change shape during noise impact however the mlv’s rigid part will make sure that the BlastBlock will return to its original shape. This process, induced by noise, uses a lot of energy hence the noise energy is absorbed and transformed into heat (almost not noticeable).
This property ( known as hysteresis or damping) contributes to the ability of MLV to attenuate sound.
MLV BlastBlock, the best in the market?
MLV is manufactured by a limited number of factories. BlastBlock MLV is a fully recyclable product without any Barium, so, it’s a safe and healthy material. It is a proprietary mall loaded vinyl-based compound with added aluminium. We are manufacturing our own MLV so it’s specially designed for noise reduction. Most companies just buy a MLV, give it a special name and use it for noise reduction, those standard MLV’s are far less effective and most of the times contain Barium.
BlastBlock has one of the highest Mold Resistance Ratings.
BlastBlock has very good heat and fire resistance and tensile strength.
The transmission loss (ASTM E90) is 29 Decibel for the 3 mm version (1/8″inch) with a weight of 4.9 kg per square meter.
How to install BlastBlock?
Some manufacturers sell MLV with one-sided adhesive. For optimized improvement of the noise reduction, this is not the right way. Sticking it tight to a wall construction will only have a limited noise reduction improvement.
The best way to install BlastBlock is to fit it with nails to a wall on the top and then let it hang loosely in the available space between 2 layers.
Benefits of hanging it loosely :
- the noise will have to pass through all materials to get through a wall, the more changes in material, the more sound will lose it’s energy, hence wall – air – BlastBlock- air – wall will give the best results
- BlastBlock hanging will give it the freedom to move and absorb most of the sound energy
Why 3 mm (1/8″) thickness?
It is just an optimized thickness. If you make it thinner (necessary for some applications) the noise reduction will be less as the mass will be less.
If one would make it thicker the mass will be greater but the flexibility of the material will disappear and noise reduction will not be optimal.
3 mm or 1/8 inch thickness is the optimum thickness.
Solutions for every situation
Our acoustical engineers are happy to consult you as each noise issue is unique. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and let us advise you.