Absorption + Barrier Performance,
Engineered as a System

Acoustic composites are engineered multi-layer systems that combine sound absorption with noise barriers in one integrated product. Unlike single-function treatments, composites use layered construction, typically melamine foam paired with flexible vinyl noise barriers, to both absorb sound within a space (reducing reverberation) and block sound transmission to adjacent areas. Some systems include decoupling layers for enhanced isolation.

Memtech Acoustics designs acoustic composites to deliver dual acoustic performance: they work as absorbers (lowering NRC ratings up to 0.95) and as barriers (STC ratings 25–33).

Yes. Acoustic composites from Memtech Acoustics are specifically designed for retrofit installations in occupied buildings. The ceiling tile noise barrier composite installs directly above existing lay-in ceiling grids (no tile replacement needed) making it ideal for offices, schools, or facilities that cannot tolerate extended downtime. Panel composites can be cut and fitted on-site to work around existing infrastructure, HVAC ducts, and utilities. Many systems feature adhesive backing for quick installation. This retrofit-friendly approach means businesses can upgrade acoustic performance in days, not weeks, while maintaining normal operations.

Acoustic composites excel in specific situations where dual noise control is needed. Use them when noise must be isolated between adjacent spaces, existing walls or ceilings have poor sound performance, retrofit constraints prevent full reconstruction, mechanical or industrial equipment generates noise affecting nearby offices or occupants, or physical space limits thickness.

Common applications include: machinery enclosures, mechanical rooms, HVAC equipment housings, office partitions near open plans, industrial plant areas, and ceilings above noisy floors. Memtech's acoustic composites are engineered for quick installation, often via adhesive backing or cut-and-fit assembly. They're ideal when you need to address both reverberation (absorption) and sound transmission (barrier performance) in a single product, with minimal disruption.

Yes. Acoustic composites are purpose-built for industrial noise control. Memtech's industrial-grade systems are installed in machinery enclosures, mechanical rooms, plant floors, and equipment housings where airborne noise and vibration must be reduced. The layered construction combines dense vinyl noise barriers (1–2 lb/ft²) with melamine foam absorbers to tackle both direct noise and reflected sound. Systems withstand continuous operation at –20°F to 180°F, making them suitable for cold storage, steam rooms, and high-temperature equipment areas. Class A fire rating (ASTM E84) ensures compliance in occupied industrial spaces.

Yes. Memtech Acoustics acoustic composites are tested to meet Class A fire performance under ASTM E84 (Steiner Tunnel Test) and CAN ULC-S102 (Canada). Fire ratings vary by material configuration as specific melamine foam and vinyl barrier combinations determine the rating. During system design, Memtech verifies fire compliance based on your building code requirements (commercial, industrial, healthcare, etc.). Class A ensures the product won't propagate flames or contribute excessive smoke, making it suitable for occupied commercial and institutional buildings. Always specify fire rating upfront to ensure the composite meets local or project-specific fire code requirements.

Yes. Most Memtech acoustic composites can be cut and fitted on-site to accommodate irregular geometries, HVAC ducts, electrical conduits, pipes, and equipment. This field-adaptability is one of the key benefits for retrofit installations. Use a sharp utility knife or fine-tooth saw for clean cuts.

Important: Proper sealing of cut edges and penetrations is critical to maintain both acoustic performance and fire rating. Edge-seal cut surfaces with acoustic sealant or tape to prevent sound bypass around barriers. For precision cuts around complex penetrations, Memtech recommends pre-planning with a detailed site layout to minimize on-site modifications and maintain system performance.

NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) and STC (Sound Transmission Class) measure different acoustic properties. NRC rates sound absorption: values range 0–1, with higher scores indicating greater absorption within a space (Memtech composites achieve NRC 0.65–0.95). Use NRC when you need to reduce reverberation, echo, or noise bouncing inside a room.

STC measures sound transmission loss: higher scores mean more sound blocked between spaces (Memtech composites achieve STC 25–33, with higher barriers performing better). Choose STC when sound isolation between adjacent spaces is critical, such as offices near mechanical rooms, apartments, or industrial equipment.

Acoustic composites excel because they address both: absorption (NRC) and isolation (STC) in one system. For example, PROSPEC® composite with 2" melamine foam and 2 lb/ft² vinyl barrier achieves high absorption and mid-range isolation, balancing cost and performance. Memtech engineers specify the right combination based on your room's noise source and audience.

Acoustic composites outperform single-layer treatments because they address two noise problems simultaneously. Single-layer foam (like melamine alone) absorbs sound well within a room but provides minimal isolation to adjacent spaces which makes it ideal for reverberation control but not for blocking noise transmission.

Single-layer barriers (like mass-loaded vinyl alone) block some sound transmission but do little to reduce interior reverberation. You get isolation without absorption, leaving the space acoustically "hard."

Memtech's acoustic composites combine both: the foam absorbs interior reflections while the vinyl barrier blocks transmission, plus optional decoupling layers enhance isolation further. For example, PROSPEC® composite pairs 1–2" melamine foam with 1–2 lb/ft² vinyl barrier, delivering NRC 0.65–0.95 AND STC 25–33 in one product. This dual performance reduces material costs, installation labor (one system vs. two), and installation time (often 40–50% faster than layering separate foam and barriers). For maximum performance, composites are the engineering solution.

Standard foam composite sheets from Memtech Acoustics ship immediately from inventory, making them ideal for urgent projects or quick-turnaround retrofits. Custom-engineered composites featuring specific barrier weights, foam thicknesses, or multi-layer configurations typically ship in 4–6 weeks. Timeline depends on material availability and engineering verification. Ask us about lead times for your project by calling (248) 289-1123 or emailing us at sales@memtechacoustics.com