Which is more effective, sound insulation panels or sound-absorbing cotton?

Soundproofing panels are typically made of high-density, relatively hard materials, such as wood or gypsum board. Their main working principle is to block sound transmission by reflecting it. When sound waves strike the surface of the panel, most of the sound is reflected back and cannot penetrate the material, thus blocking the sound's path and reducing the energy transmitted from one side to the other. For example, in some factory workshops, thick soundproofing panels are used to construct soundproof walls to prevent machine noise from interfering with the outside world, effectively blocking noise transmission.

Sound-absorbing cotton is a type of porous sound-absorbing material, commonly including glass wool, rock wool, and polyester fiber sound insulation cotton. Its working principle differs significantly from soundproofing panels; it utilizes its porous structure to absorb sound. When sound enters the pores of the sound-absorbing cotton, it triggers friction and viscous resistance between air molecules and the pore walls, causing sound energy to gradually convert into heat energy and be dissipated, thereby reducing sound reflection and reverberation within the space. For example, in recording studios, to achieve a clean sound recording effect, a large amount of sound-absorbing cotton is used to absorb excess reflected sound, making the recorded sound clearer and cleaner.

In terms of application scenarios, soundproofing panels are more suitable for situations requiring large-area blocking of external noise. For example, in houses near main roads, installing soundproofing panels can effectively block traffic noise and create a quiet indoor environment. Sound-absorbing cotton, on the other hand, excels in reducing indoor noise reflection and optimizing sound quality. For instance, in conference rooms, using sound-absorbing cotton can prevent sound from constantly reflecting and creating echoes, making meetings and communications smoother.