Acoustic metamaterials: what they are and why they represent the future

Acoustic metamaterials are engineered materials designed to interact with sound waves in a controlled and extremely efficient manner. Unlike traditional sound-absorbing materials, their properties depend primarily on geometry and not chemical composition.

This innovative approach enables high acoustic performance even in small spaces, without the use of porous or fibrous materials.

Main advantages of acoustic metamaterials

Selective absorption on specific frequencies, including low frequencies.
High efficiency with small footprint.
Durability and stability through rigid and treated materials.
Sustainability and healthfulness due to the absence of mineral fibers.

These characteristics make metamaterials ideal for compact and durable solutions that are perfect for infrastructure and civil applications.

Phononix: the next generation metamaterial acoustic panel

Phononix is the acoustic panel developed by Phononic Vibes, a spin-off of Milan Polytechnic University, based on metamaterial technology.

The innovative design combines the vibrating membrane mechanism with a functionalized surface, ensuring excellent performance:

Sound insulation up to DLSI = 29 dB (UNI EN 1793-6).
Sound absorption up to DLα = 9 dB (UNI EN 1793-1).

In addition, Phononix offers high mechanical strength and a modular structure that makes it easy to integrate into complex barriers and building systems.

LedroSteelBox gabions: structure and insulation in one system

LedroSteelBoxes are modular metal gabions produced by Metallurgica Ledrense, used for retaining walls, noise barriers and architectural cladding.

Thanks to the collaboration with Phononic Vibes, the Phononix panel can be integrated inside the gabions, between the crushed stone layers, without altering their structural properties.

Endurance test results

Tests conducted at the Polytechnic University of Milan have shown that LedroSteelBoxes with Phononix guarantee:

Vertical load resistance up to 450 kN.
Intact structural performance with the addition of advanced acoustic insulation.

A one-stop solution for designers and infrastructure

The combination of structural function and acoustic performance makes LedroSteelBox gabions with Phononix an innovative, prefabricated, transportable and versatile solution, suitable even for contexts with landscape or urban planning constraints.

Thanks to the collaboration between Phononic Vibes and Metallurgica Ledrense, the market now has a technology that combines scientific innovation, technical performance and ease of use, improving the acoustic comfort of infrastructure and supporting designers in increasingly complex challenges.

Phononic Vibes s.r.l.

A spin-off of Politecnico di Milano, Phononic Vibes develops solutions for vibro-acoustic control based on metamaterials, a patented technology that combines high performance with sustainability and compactness. The company collaborates with industry leaders in the infrastructure, building and railway sectors, offering innovative products for sound insulation and absorption. With an advanced engineering approach, Phononic Vibes brings the excellence of applied scientific research to the market.