Sorbothane

Sorbothane is a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer used as a shock absorber and vibration damper. It is manufactured by Sorbothane®, Inc based in Kent, Ohio. [1]

Sorbothane was invented and patented in 1982[2] by Dr. Maurice Hiles. His research into the energy dissipation properties of human soft tissue disclosed a structure very similar to an interpenetrating polymer network. This led to his synthesis of the first commercial simultaneous interpenetrating network, now called Sorbothane. [3]. Dr. Hiles wrote in his patent "The resulting solid polymer behaves like a quasi-liquid, being readily deformed by an applied force and slow to recover, although in the absence of such a force it takes up a defined shape and volume".

The material combines some of the properties of rubber, silicone, and other elastic polymers. It is considered to be a good vibration damping material, an acoustic insulator, and highly durable. An unusually high amount of the energy from an object dropped onto Sorbothane is absorbed. The feel and damping qualities of Sorbothane have been likened to those of meat.

Visco-elastic means that a material exhibits properties of both liquids (viscous solutions) and solids (elastic materials). Because visco-elastic behavior is desirable in shock and vibration applications many materials claim to be "visco-elastic"; however, many of these materials have only trace "visco-elastic" properties.

Similar materials include Polynorbornene, Noene, and Astro-sorb.

Uses

Originally used for shoe inserts, Sorbothane has many industrial applications from acoustic shielding to machine mounts. Sorbothane has been used to quiet personal computers by being packed around the hard drive and other noisy spinning components. Sorbothane dampens vibration transmission from vibrating hardware. (see Quiet PC) It has been used to isolate subwoofers from turntables. In addition Sorbothane has been used by NASA to isolate vibration, in the Air Force Memorial and to transport the Liberty Bell.