Acoustic Curtains: A Review of Sound-Blocking Mechanisms, Design Parameters, and Performance Benefits Using Polyurethane (PU) Coatings

This review analyzes the use of polyurethane (PU) coatings in acoustical curtain fabrics to improve sound absorption. As noise pollution becomes a more serious public health concern, there is a rising need for long-term, effective, and aesthetically beautiful noise control solutions in architectural, automotive, and industrial settings. This study summarizes recent research on the acoustic performance of textile-based absorbers, with a special emphasis on the synergistic use of PU coatings to adjust airflow resistance, surface density, and structural porosity. Key mechanisms of sound attenuation in coated fabrics are investigated, including viscous-thermal dissipation, resonant absorption, and impedance matching. Experimental techniques and predictive modeling approaches—such as the Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) model, Pieren’s equivalent circuit model, and finite element simulations—are thoroughly examined. The effect of PU coating characteristics such as coating %, thickness, distribution, and formulation on acoustic absorption spectra is thoroughly investigated. This review also considers sustainability through the use of recovered PU materials and discusses future research directions, such as multifunctional coatings, smart acoustical fabrics, and scalable manufacturing processes. The findings demonstrate PU-coated fabrics’ tremendous potential as high-performance, design-integrated acoustic materials for modern noise reduction. Benefits, including thermal insulation, privacy enhancement, energy efficiency, and hygiene considerations, are also discussed. The review concludes that acoustic curtains represent an effective passive noise-control solution when properly designed, installed, and maintained, and highlights emerging research directions for future development.