Asahi Kasei developed an automotive nonwoven in which polyester fibres are used, the nonwoven being formed in a three-layered structure and highly able to absorb sounds like car engine noises. The sound-absorbing ability is twice as high as the felt conventionally used as a car noise absorber, which means that a sound absorber can be made thinner if the nonwoven replaces the felt. It also means that a car room can be made larger if the nonwoven is attached on the interior of the car body, instead of the felt. Asahi Kasei expects that the nonwoven will be used broadly, because Europe has started restricting car noises generated from the engine or other parts.

JCFA News Letter (No.17) September, 2019/Japan Chemical Fibers Association