What materials are used for suspended acoustic ceilings?

• The MATERIALS used for suspended acoustic ceilings fall into Five Main Groups:
• Mineral Fiber
• Fiberglass
• Metal
• Wood
• Specialty materials
•  Acoustical ceiling materials as consisting of two parts: a “face” (visual architectural surface)
and a “body” (sound-absorbing materials).

• The “body” part of sound absorption falls into two broad material types: mineral fibers and
glass fibers. These fiber types are doing all the heavy lifting in commercial acoustics today.

• They work this way: when the ordered movement of air molecules (sound) strikes microscopic
fibers, they turn into disordered movement (heat) and the effect is absorbed sound.  

• Other acoustic materials such as open-cell foams, cotton, and carbon fibers are used in
special situations, like sound studios. These are expensive and not used widely in commercial
suspended ceilings.

• If acoustical consultants are interested in the “body,” designers are interested in the “face,”
the surfaces put in front of the sound-absorbing materials
Mineral Fibers

• Mineral Fibers typically sell as fissured suspended ceiling tiles.

• They are the entry-level product in terms of price and performance and
remain the most mass-produced type of suspended acoustic ceiling product. 
• They are perfectly suitable for many environments, including offices and
retail spaces. They are made from a blend of mineral fibers, perlite, clay, and even
recycled newsprint.
Faced Fiberglass panels
• Faced Fiberglass panels come in a variety of products.

• Polyurethane or PVC bagged fiberglass is sometimes used directly as “faces,” though rarely for public spaces.
They are most often placed behind, in the role of absorptive “body.”

• Woven fabric is wrapped around rigid fiberglass panels and offers designers a rich color pallet.

• Painted PVC faced fiberglass (known as Nubby) and latex faced fiberglass simulate the look of painted drywall.

• Special acoustic plasters are also used to face fiberglass panels. Once installed, the panel edges are filled and
coated with acoustic plaster.
• The effect is a drywall or plaster look, but with acoustic properties.