Method of attenuating sound, and acoustical insulation therefor

Abstract

Noise is attenuated through use of an acoustical insulation 10 that includes a molded, three-dimensional nonwoven web that contains organic microfibers 12 and heat activatable staple fibers 14 where the heat activatable staple fibers 14 are bonded to each other and to the microfibers 12 at various contact points. The web contains greater than 15 weight percent heat activatable staple fibers, has a thickness of about 0.5 centimeters or greater, and a density of less than 250 kilograms per cubic meter and preferably contains bulking staple fiber 16. The acoustical insulation is positioned between a source area and a receiving area such that a major face of the insulation intercepts and thereby significantly attenuates sound waves passing from the source area to the receiving area.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.