3M has donated new acoustic tile to Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C., to help in the reduction of noise levels and creating a quieter environment for visitors. One of the main attractions in the zoo was the Great Ape House, which features six western lowland gorillas and six orang-utans.
This section is particularly visited frequently by schools and families. However a major distraction was the high levels of noise generated by the concrete and glass that was used in the space.
The installation of the new 1,430 acoustic tiles will help in cutting out noise levels and will enable teachers and other visitors to hear each other better. Researchers at 3M customised the tiles setting it to specific frequency levels which can result in 40% reduction of noise. For this purpose the company used its 3M Thinsulate Acoustic Insulation technology, which is being used in airplanes, appliances and automobiles. This installation is part of the company’s ongoing efforts in the area of acoustic film tiles.
Other features of the tiles are the inclusion of flame retardant resins and a new adhesive called the Command Adhesive. This adhesive makes it easy for the installation of the tiles without creating the need for drilling into the concrete. The tiles can absorb broader frequencies as well as specific frequencies. The National Zoo further plans to install these acoustic tiles at the Amazonia Science Gallery and the Written in Bones exhibit at the Museum of National History. 3M too has already helped Smithsonian in developing a solution to meet fire codes and take the input from Smithsonian to develop better solutions for galleries and museums.
Source: http://www.3M.com