MgO Wall Board: Superior Acoustic Performance Tested in Real Buildings

The construction industry creates 37% of global emissions worldwide. MgO wall board provides a solution that tackles this environmental challenge and improves building acoustics by a lot. These boards absorb and dampen sound waves effectively. They reduce noise transmission while producing only 340 kg of CO2 per metric ton - nowhere near the 740 kg that traditional concrete materials generate.

MgO board stands apart from regular drywall in several ways. Its superior Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings make it a great sound proof insulation board for buildings of all types. The dense structure of MgO drywall blocks noise perfectly in multi-family housing, offices, and schools. These boards resist moisture, mold, and mildew well, which helps maintain their acoustic performance in everyday conditions over time.

This piece will show how MgO wall boards provide exceptional soundproofing in actual buildings. You'll learn about their composition and see how they stack up against traditional materials through lab tests and real-life case studies.

What Is MgO Wall Board and Why It Matters for Acoustics

MgO wall boards are a breakthrough in building material technology, especially for acoustic applications. These boards outperform conventional building materials with their exceptional soundproofing capabilities. Their unique composition and physical properties make them a popular choice in sound-sensitive construction projects.

Composition: Magnesium Oxide, Fiberglass Mesh, and Additives

MgO boards are cementitious panels made from inorganic materials with fiberglass mesh reinforcement. Here's what they're made of:

• Magnesium Oxide (MgO): The main component (56-58%) that gives structural integrity

• Magnesium Sulfate: Makes up 27-29%, with sulfate-based boards to formulate basic magnesium sulfate cementitious 517 inorganic crystal phase which is working excellent against moisture

• Fiberglass Mesh: Takes up 4-6% and boosts tensile strength substantially

• Perlite or Vermiculite: Makes up 3-4% and improves insulation

• Wood Fiber/Cellulose: Adds 5-6% to make the board more workable

• Phosphate: A small amount (0.1-0.3%) stabilizes the chemical structure

  
  

The main difference between traditional MgO boards and newer ones lies in their second component. Traditional boards use magnesium chloride, while products like Jinpeng Group MagMatrix use magnesium sulfate. This change eliminates the "weeping boards" corrosion issue that affects standard MgO boards in humid environments.

Glass fiber mesh is vital to the board's performance. The mesh comes from alkali-resistant glass fiber yarn with a special structure. It goes through heat treatment with reinforcing agents. This creates a material that resists chemical corrosion, has high strength, stays dimensionally stable, and handles impacts better.

How Density and Structure Affect Sound Absorption

The board's physical characteristics drive its acoustic performance. Their dense makeup helps them absorb and dampen sound waves effectively. This prevents sound from moving through structural elements.

MgO sandwich panels with 125 kg/m³ relative density show sound insulation effects of 29-30 dB, measured by ISO 717/82 standards. The ISO35/85 standard shows these panels reach 15.7 dB sound insulation.

MgO boards' structure blocks various noise types effectively. Different materials in the board work together to tackle sound issues. The magnesium oxide core adds mass, while fiberglass mesh keeps dimensions stable and maintains acoustic performance. Perlite components create tiny air pockets that trap sound waves.

The board's density-to-weight ratio stands out. MgO boards balance excellent sound absorption with manageable weight. This makes them perfect where structural load needs match acoustic performance requirements.

Sound waves hitting an MgO board meet a complex material structure. The board converts sound energy into minimal heat through internal friction. Dense board material forces sound waves to lose energy as they try to pass through. This cuts down noise between spaces.

These properties create quieter indoor spaces everywhere. Office buildings get quieter conference rooms. Schools have better classroom acoustics. Residential buildings offer more privacy between units. The sound-dampening features create comfortable environments by cutting external noise.

MgO wall boards excel in sound-sensitive environments. They work better than traditional drywall at reducing noise. You also get moisture resistance and dimensional stability. These qualities help maintain acoustic performance in ground conditions over time.

Understanding Sound Transmission in Building Materials

Sound travels through buildings in complex ways that shape our living and working spaces. People who want to use building materials like MgO wall boards need to learn how sound moves through structures. This knowledge plays a vital role in acoustic design.

Airborne vs Impact vs Structure-Borne Sound

Buildings experience sound transmission through three different mechanisms. Each type needs its own control method:

Airborne sound starts in the air and moves through atmospheric paths before hitting barriers. Voices, music, TV noise, and traffic sounds fall into this category. These sound waves make solid surfaces like walls vibrate when they hit them. This vibration lets sound pass through to nearby spaces.

Impact sound (also known as impact noise) happens when solid objects hit each other directly. This creates vibrations that move through building structures. You might hear footsteps from upstairs, furniture moving, or someone hammering on walls. Multi-level buildings face bigger problems with impact noise because vibrations can travel far through solid materials before turning back into audible sound.

Structure-borne sound develops as vibrations move through connected building parts. To cite an instance, see how mechanical equipment vibrations can spread through structural components all over a building. One factual source states, "Isolating equipment so that their vibrations don't get into the structure and create noise problems throughout the building is a critical component of building construction". MgO boards help reduce structure-borne sound transmission because of their density and composition.

Good building design must tackle all three types of sound transmission effectively. MgO wall board installations offer natural density that blocks airborne noise well. Their structural properties also help reduce impact and structure-borne sounds.

STC (Sound Transmission Class) and Its Role in Wall Design

Sound Transmission Class (STC) serves as the main standard to measure how well building partitions block airborne sound. This rating system gives us a standard way to compare different materials and assemblies.

Labs test for STC ratings using ASTM E90 standards. They measure sound pressure levels across 16 frequencies (from 125 Hz to 4,000 Hz) on both sides of a partition. The results create transmission loss values plotted on a graph. These values match against standard reference contours to determine the final STC rating.

STC ratings relate to noticeable sound reduction in these ways:

• STC 25-30: People can easily understand normal speech through partition

• STC 35: Loud speech can be heard but not understood

• STC 40-45: Loud speech sounds like a murmur

• STC 50-60: Most sounds won't bother neighbors - good soundproofing

  
  

The International Building Code requires new multi-family construction to have a minimum lab-tested STC rating of 50 for walls, floors, and ceilings.

STC ratings have their limits though. They only measure frequencies down to 125 Hz, which leaves out lower frequencies from home theaters, traffic noise, and musical instruments. Lab STC values show the best possible sound insulation. Real-life performance usually falls short because of flanking transmission paths.

Flanking sound transmission happens when sound bypasses direct barriers like walls. The sound travels through connected parts such as side walls, ceilings, or floors instead. One source points out, "Flanking sound transmission can be very important, to the point that it dominates the combined sound transmission. If this happens, improving the common wall or floor may not significantly change the combined sound isolation".

MgO boards achieve higher STC ratings than standard drywall of the same thickness. Their greater density makes them valuable for walls in noise-sensitive spaces or where building codes demand specific acoustic performance levels.

Lab-Tested Acoustic Properties of MgO Boards

Laboratory tests give us significant insights into MgO wall board's performance in controlled acoustic environments. Standard testing procedures show these boards have impressive sound-dampening capabilities. This explains their growing popularity in noise-sensitive applications.

STC Ratings of MgO Wall Panels in Controlled Environments

Lab acoustic testing reveals MgO boards' exceptional sound insulation properties. These panels consistently achieve impressive STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings during standard sound transmission tests. Their unique physical makeup drives this excellent performance.

MgO wall boards' dense structure plays a vital role in acoustic effectiveness. Lab experiments measure the weighted standardized sound level difference (DnT,w) between adjacent spaces divided by MgO panel walls. Results confirm these boards block airborne soundwaves from passing through structures effectively. This makes them valuable in shared living spaces where privacy and noise control matter most.

Tests in controlled environments show MgO panels have strong sound absorption qualities. These qualities add substantially to STC-tested wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies. The boards' composition explains this performance. High-density MgO cement mixed with other inorganic materials creates an incredibly dense product that absorbs and dampens sound waves.

Research on MgO wall solutions shows great results for airborne sound insulation between rooms. Tests indicate proper installation and setup can improve MgO panel walls' sound insulation. Yes, it is clear from lab results that MgO acoustic insulation materials have natural soundproofing properties. These properties improve buildings' acoustic performance.

Comparison with Standard Drywall and OSB Panels

MgO boards show clear advantages over traditional options in acoustic performance. Lab tests show these boards generally insulate sound better than drywall. This makes them the top choice for projects needing soundproofing.

Side-by-side comparisons highlight MgO boards' superior acoustic performance. Their denser composition helps reduce sound transmission between rooms. Recording studios and home theaters benefit from this quality since noise control matters most in these spaces.

Direct testing between MgO boards and gypsum board proves MgO's superior sound insulation. These comparisons also highlight better durability, fire resistance, and eco-friendliness. All these factors create compelling value.

MgO boards beat OSB (Oriented Strand Board) in noise resistance too. Their porous structure absorbs sound better than standard soundproofing materials like plywood or gypsum board. One expert puts it simply: "Magnesium oxide boards tend to perform better than gypsum concrete. How much better do they perform? A lot better".

These differences matter in real applications. To cite an instance, tests in multifamily housing prove MgO panels keep their acoustic advantages with any overlying material. Jim Waters, a builder who used MgO boards in a residential project, notes: "No matter what you put over it, you can have a good sound rating. That was a key factor for this project".

Lab findings have practical value for many building types. MgO boards offer economical solutions for interior partitions. They isolate areas, minimize sound transfer, and improve privacy. Their stellar performance in controlled tests explains why they're popular in recording studios, conference rooms, and homes where acoustic quality matters most.

Real-World Acoustic Testing in Residential Buildings

MgO wall boards show their true value after installation in homes and apartments. Ground testing shows how these materials work in actual living conditions, where different environmental factors play a significant role in sound protection.

Case Study: Multi-Family Housing in Urban Area

Multi-family housing creates some of the toughest acoustic environments that need superior sound insulation between units. MgO boards have shown exceptional results to solve these challenges in several urban residential complexes. A developer points out that MgO boards "stop noise between units" in multi-family housing. These boards are becoming more popular in crowded urban areas.

A notable case study of a three-story residential building shows how architects chose MgO wall board to handle sound transmission between apartments. The project manager explained, "You want to make sure you reduce all the sound from above, and that is always one of the architect's biggest challenges". The team used MgO panels in walls and floors to create sound barriers between living spaces.

This case study stands out because it represents a common problem where usual solutions didn't work well enough. The team had used gypsum underlayment with extra sound mats before switching to MgO boards. This multi-layer approach cost more money and took longer to install. After switching to MgO underlayment, they didn't need the sound mat layer and got better sound protection.

Measured Noise Reduction Between Shared Walls

Tests in finished residential buildings consistently prove that MgO boards work better than standard materials to reduce noise between shared walls. On-site measurements confirm that MgO board installations meet or exceed code requirements for dwelling separations. This is vital for multi-family housing units.

The International Building Code sets minimum levels for airborne sound transfer through Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings for walls between dwelling units. It also sets standards for Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings that measure structure-borne sound transfer. MgO wall boards excel in both areas:

1. Airborne Noise Reduction - MgO boards block typical household noises like talking, music, and appliance sounds between neighboring apartments

2. Impact Noise Attenuation - The boards reduce the transmission of footfall, dropped items, and furniture movement sounds by a lot

3. Structure-Borne Sound Isolation - Their dense composition minimizes vibrations through building elements

   
   

Sound tests in occupied multi-family buildings prove that MgO board installations create "quieter indoor environments by minimizing noise disturbances from external sources". Residents notice less noise from neighboring units, which improves their quality of life and reduces tenant turnover.

A key finding from ground installations shows that MgO boards keep working well over time, even in tough conditions. These boards resist moisture and stay stable, unlike some regular materials that can break down as humidity changes.

MgO insulation boards work especially well in apartment conversions within warehouse settings—projects that often face big acoustic challenges. Their dense composition that "effectively absorbs sound vibrations" makes these boards perfect to update projects where old structures weren't built with today's sound standards in mind.

Field testing confirms that MgO boards create quieter living spaces when installed properly as wall or ceiling panels by knowing how to "reduce airborne and impact noises". This benefits residents, property managers, and developers alike.

Performance in Commercial and High-Traffic Spaces

Commercial spaces face unique sound challenges compared to homes. People moving around, equipment noise, and open floor plans create complex sound management issues that MgO wall boards can handle really well.

Office and School Installations with MgO Wall Panels

Regular wall materials don't last long in busy offices. They lose their look and sound control faster. MgO wall boards work great in these tough environments because they're so durable. These panels stay strong even in high-traffic areas like entrances, hallways, and shared spaces.

MgO boards are a great fit for schools because of how well they handle sound. Schools that use these panels say their classroom acoustics got better by a lot. This helps students focus because sound doesn't travel between classrooms - something that's crucial for learning.

Tests show MgO wall panels score between 53-54 STC on UL-rated commercial setups. This is a big deal as it means that they beat typical building codes for keeping spaces quiet. People can have private conversations without worrying about being overheard.

Schools get several sound benefits from these panels:

• Classroom walls block noise between learning spaces

• Gym installations help control sound in big, open areas

• Libraries and study spaces stay quieter

• Student dorms get more privacy between rooms

  
  

MgO boards do more than just control sound. They don't dent or break easily, which makes them perfect for busy hallways where walls take a beating. They also keep mold and fungi away, making commercial spaces healthier.

Soundproofing Between Conference Rooms and Corridors

Conference rooms are the toughest test for sound control in commercial buildings. You just need to keep private meetings private and outside noise out. MgO wall boards excel at this job.

Lab results prove that using 9mm magnesium oxide board on both sides with 75mm keel and 50mm rock wool blocks noise above 42dB. This means conversations stay private even when there's lots of activity next door.

Even thin 6mm MgO boards block 29dB of noise. Architects can pick the right thickness based on how much sound control they need and how much space they have.

MgO boards work well everywhere in commercial buildings. They create the right sound environment for theaters and hotel rooms that need guest privacy. These panels are especially good for offices. They help create quiet work spaces - something that's really important in open offices where noise is one of the biggest complaints.

While sound control is the main benefit, MgO boards solve other commercial problems too. They resist fire and moisture, and don't break easily. Building owners looking for long-term solutions find this combination hard to beat.

MgO boards beat regular drywall in both sound control and toughness. That's why more buildings use them now, from corporate offices to schools where sound control affects how well people work and learn.

Installation Factors That Influence Acoustic Results

MgO wall board systems need proper installation to reach their full acoustic potential. Even the best acoustic materials won't work well if you don't install them right. My work on soundproofing projects has taught me that small installation details make a big difference in sound insulation results.

Fastener Spacing and Joint Sealing Techniques

The way you fasten MgO boards affects how well they block sound. The best sound isolation comes from spacing fasteners 200-250mm (8-12 inches) apart, with even spacing along edges and across board centers. This spacing stops vibration points that could hurt sound dampening.

You should start from the board's center and work your way out when positioning fasteners. This method puts less stress on the panel and keeps it strong under sound pressure. To protect the edges, put screws at least 12mm from board edges and 50mm from corners. This prevents cracks that could let sound leak through.

MgO boards need special fasteners:

• Corrosion-resistant ones work best due to MgO's alkaline properties (pH 9-10)

• Self-boring head screws with small nibs are ideal since MgO doesn't compress like gypsum

• Phosphoric coated screws work well in dry indoor spaces

• Moisture-prone areas need stainless steel (316, 304, or 305 grade) or epoxy-coated fasteners

  
  

Joint sealing is another key part of acoustic installation. Leave small gaps (3-5mm) between MgO boards so they can expand with temperature and humidity changes. Fill these gaps with the right sealant to block sound. Some installers get better acoustic sealing by putting a backer rod in before they caulk joints.

Wide fiberglass tape (6 inches or wider) with matching joint compounds works great for joint reinforcement. One expert installer says, "keeping small spaces between the sheets while connecting the sheets to each other with small pieces of MgO used as a backer means you don't have to connect on a stud". This creates better acoustic seals and might save on materials.

Use of Soundproof Insulation Board Behind MgO Panels

The space behind MgO wall board gives you a great chance to boost acoustic performance. Sound-absorbing insulation in this space makes a huge difference in overall sound transmission class (STC) ratings.

Tests show that 75mm thick glass fiber cavity insulation (density of 11 kg/m³) makes MgO wall systems much better at blocking sound. This insulation soaks up sound waves inside the wall cavity before they can move through the structure.

MgO boards really shine in multi-layer wall setups. Christine Williamson, M.Arch., points out that "Magnesium oxide boards tend to perform better than gypsum concrete. How much better do they perform? A lot better". This advantage shows up most when MgO boards are part of a complete acoustic system.

Good installation creates a "complete acoustic envelope" that stops both direct and flanking sound paths. You need continuous insulation without gaps for effective soundproofing. Any breaks in the insulation layer create weak spots that hurt the system's performance.

Advanced setups use special soundproof insulation boards made just for MgO panels. These dense boards target specific frequency ranges and work better across the whole sound spectrum.

The success of any MgO wall board installation comes down to careful attention to detail. Every part matters - from fastener choice and spacing to joint treatment and backing insulation. When everything works together in a well-installed system, MgO wall boards show their impressive sound-blocking abilities in real buildings.

MgO Board vs Drywall: Acoustic and Structural Comparison

Sound insulation properties and structural characteristics play crucial roles in comparing acoustic performance between building materials. Measurable metrics clearly show the differences between MgO wall board and traditional drywall in side-by-side tests.

Soundproofing Efficiency per Panel Thickness

MgO board shows better sound insulation capabilities than standard drywall based on thickness comparisons. A 6mm MgO board provides 29dB noise resistance, which delivers meaningful sound control. Standard drywall needs multiple layers to match these sound dampening effects.

MgO board's higher density and weight lead to its excellent performance. These physical properties help it absorb and block sound waves effectively. The board creates a stronger barrier against noise transmission compared to lighter, less dense gypsum-based products.

Here's what this means in real-world use:

Durability and Moisture Resistance in Humid Conditions

MgO board's structural performance stands out, especially in challenging environments. The board runs on exceptional moisture resistance, while drywall typically fails with extensive moisture exposure.

Water easily penetrates standard drywall with a surface moisture absorption rate of nearly 3%, making it vulnerable to damage in wet conditions. MgO panels stay structurally sound with just 0.34% surface moisture absorption, even with direct water contact.

Bathrooms and kitchens with constant moisture highlight these differences clearly. Treated drywall (blue or green colored) offers some protection against water, but it's nowhere near MgO board's capabilities. The board's resistance to water intrusion helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which improves both structural integrity and indoor air quality.

MgO board combines superior acoustic performance with exceptional structural resilience. These qualities make it valuable especially when you have environments needing both sound control and durability.

Additional Benefits Beyond Acoustics

MgO wall board's benefits go way beyond its acoustic properties. These boards will give a building better safety features and make it healthier for people living or working there.

Fire Resistance: Withstands Up to 1200°C

MgO boards are amazing at protecting against fire and work better than most regular building materials. These boards won't burn and create a strong barrier against flames. Quality MgO boards can handle temperatures up to 1200°C (2192°F) without releasing any toxic fumes, with an ignition point around 800°C (1472°F) [85, 87].

This impressive heat resistance makes these boards a vital component in homes and commercial buildings. Standard drywall breaks down faster in fires, but MgO boards stand strong as flame barriers. The boards can resist fire for up to four hours, and this is a big deal as it means that they last much longer than gypsum boards' typical one-hour rating.

These boards don't just resist fire - they help curb it. When exposed to high heat, they release water vapor that helps cool and contain flames. This feature gives people extra minutes to evacuate during emergencies.

Mold and VOC-Free for Healthier Indoor Air

MgO boards are great at creating healthier indoor spaces among other safety features. Their makeup naturally stops mold and fungi from growing, which is something regular drywall doesn't deal very well with. This resistance comes from their high alkalinity and ability to resist moisture.

These boards don't contain harmful materials often found in other building products. You won't find asbestos or formaldehyde in them, which makes them perfect for people with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. The boards also release almost no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to much better indoor air quality.

These health advantages work well in buildings of all types:

• Residential spaces: Protection for allergy sufferers

• Healthcare facilities: Cleaner air for patient recovery

• Schools: Safer environments for developing children

MgO boards keep these health benefits throughout their life. Their stable makeup means they won't break down and release harmful substances as they age, unlike some traditional materials that can affect air quality over time.

Conclusion

MgO wall boards show impressive acoustic performance in ground applications. Lab tests prove these boards get high STC ratings and block sound well through their dense makeup and unique properties. Buildings of all types - homes, offices, and schools - show how these boards work to create quieter spaces for living and working.

These boards work better than regular drywall and OSB panels. They don't just block sound better - they're also more durable. Their excellent density-to-weight ratio makes them perfect when you need both sound control and strength. The boards handle moisture well, so they keep blocking sound even where other materials would fail.

Fire safety is another big plus. These boards can handle heat up to 1200°C without toxic fumes, which adds vital safety benefits beyond just blocking sound. The board's resistance to mold and zero VOCs helps create healthier air inside buildings.

The right installation methods will give the best sound blocking results. Builders need to space fasteners correctly, seal joints well, and use the right insulation to get the best sound control in buildings.

The environment benefits too. Making these boards creates much less CO2 than concrete - 340 kg versus 740 kg per ton. This helps reduce construction's carbon footprint.

MgO wall boards stand out as a top choice for modern buildings that need sound control. Their mix of great sound blocking, durability, safety features, and eco-friendly nature delivers real results. Buildings become quieter, safer, and more sustainable with these boards.

info@jinpenggroups.com