When High-Tech Isn’t enough: The reality of sound dampening with nanofibers (A scientific lecture by Assoc. Prof. Petrík with a pinch of behind-the-scenes insight)

On 25 June 2025, a lecture by an esteemed nanomaterials expert, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Stanislav Petrík, CSc., took place at CXI TUL as part of the InterBridge project. The lecture, titled Use of Nanomaterials in Acoustics and Interior Design, focused on the potential of nanofibers and aerogels in acoustic applications and interior design.

Assoc. Prof. Petrík is the author of dozens of scientific publications, patents, and utility models. Throughout his career, he has been closely linking research with industrial practice – he served as a head of R&D departments at Preciosa and Elmarco, where he helped commercialize the Nanospider technology. He formerly led the Department of Nanostructure Preparation and Analysis at CXI, and now continues to contribute his extensive experience within the Department of Advanced Materials, even after his formal retirement.

Thanks to his initiative, a long-term collaboration between CXI and North Carolina State University was established, resulting in the creation of the international conference NART, focused on nanomaterials and their industrial applications. He also introduced the American model of direct research funding – where companies pay tiered membership fees in exchange for access to research results – to CXI. This principle has been running in the Czech environment for several years now via the AMIA association.

The lecture of Assoc. Prof. Petrík not only provided an overview of the production and properties of nanomaterials but also discussed their potential for use in acoustic panels. Attendees learned how nanofibers behave in sound absorption and what advantages they offer compared to conventional materials. And – although off-camera – they also heard valuable insights into the challenges of nanofiber commercialization, including why the expected industry boom has not (yet) happened.

Watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel, with optional subtitles in Czech and German. [Link to video]

Hana Křížová