Our world and technologies are becoming increasingly more advanced, and traditional materials are struggling to keep up with the technical challenges of today. Materials like foam are used to block out noise, copper to conduct electricity, and steel wool as insulation. These materials are often heavy, harmful to the environment, and can limit the designs and size of potentially groundbreaking technologies. 

Realising these limitations, industries are now looking towards innovations disrupting the traditional materials space, one of which is metamaterial technology. This new class of materials is transforming industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and power generation. Metamaterials hold the power to unlock the next generation of clean technology to enhance existing products and overcome design and technical challenges these industries face. 

So what are acoustic metamaterials?

Metamaterials are composite materials with unexpected properties that cannot be found in nature. Acoustic metamaterials can control sound waves as their precise shape, geometry, size, orientation, and arrangement gives them their smart properties capable of manipulating waves: by blocking, absorbing, enhancing, or bending waves to achieve benefits that go beyond what is possible with conventional materials. These acoustic materials are designed, often down to individual cell units, to respond to noise, attenuating the unwanted sound. 

Rhona Togher, CEO of Lios, explains, "Acoustic metamaterials present significant opportunities for a wide range of industries to create smaller, lighter, more sustainable products. At Lios, we are deeply focused on creating, optimising, and commercialising acoustic metamaterials, bringing value to our customers around the world". 

Acoustic metamaterials are the key to a quieter world. They have unique capabilities and are now being used to manipulate acoustic properties to reduce and eliminate sound waves and noise vibrations. From dishwashers to satellites and everything in between, it's clear that technology and metamaterials have a vital role in building the future. Our priority should be to maximise the benefits of smart materials in creating innovative commercial industries to help reduce pollution and contribute to a healthier planet.