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The use of sealant materials to improve interior acoustics has increased significantly in todays automobiles. One such application is to use expandable sealant materials in rails, pillars, and cavities to reduce noise propagation. However, there is no standardized method for evaluating the acoustical performance of these materials. This paper reviews the basics of noise control engineering and discusses a proposed laboratory based test methodology that has been developed for properly evaluating the acoustical performance or expandable sealant materials. The test method is intended to simulate actual applications so that different materials can be evaluated to achieve optimum acoustical performance within a channel representing the rails or pillars in automobiles.

With increased focus in today's vehicle surrounding interior “noise quality”, many new and existing material applications are being investigated. One existing application, not generally highlighted, is the use of heat reactive, expanding sealant materials used in the vehicle body structures know as ‘baffles’. This application, considered an art by many, is rapidly maturing to a science where many critical parameters must be defined. This paper will present the findings of one such exploration involving a new acoustic baffle material where the critical parameters have been investigated to further define the art and advance it into the science of acoustics.