Stahl Stay Silent®: long-lasting noise suppression for vehicle interiors

A more peaceful drive for the future of mobility  
Five years in the making, Stahl Stay Silent® is an automotive anti-squeak coating like no other. Our industry-first technology offers long-lasting protection from annoying in-cabin noises – giving drivers and passengers a more peaceful ride. And with vehicle engines becoming quieter than ever, it’s helping drive the future of mobility.

Powered by our advanced PolyMatte® and lubrication technology, Stahl Stay Silent® targets annoying squeaks on a microscopic level. And unlike many standard noise-suppression coatings, it offers protection that lasts – up to 100,000 km. Because true quality doesn’t wear out.

Read on to discover the high-tech development and rigorous testing that went into creating this uniquely effective noise-suppression coating.

The luxury of silence: noise suppression coatings for automotive interiors 
As electric vehicle (EV) sales skyrocket around the world, vehicle interiors are in the spotlight like never before.

A recent study showed that interiors were a key factor for consumers when choosing an EV – taking the focus away from more traditional considerations such as exterior design and engine performance. So, why is a quality EV interior so vital?

As well as being quieter than their internal combustion counterparts, EVs enable a whole range of additional possibilities. Today’s vehicles are smarter, more connected, more shareable, and more autonomous.

This allows them to take on a greater variety of functions – becoming spaces to work, relax, socialize, and even sleep. And that means we’re going to be spending a lot more time in them – so even a minor squeak can soon turn into a major irritant.

For a more peaceful ride, we need to supercharge automotive interior noise suppression. But first, we need to address the root cause of squeaking – on the microscopic level.

“Stahl Stay Silent® is an investment in the future of electric mobility – enabling OEMs to create the peaceful and comfortable interiors demanded by the industry.” 

Martin van den Berg, Global Market Manager – Automotive

What causes squeaking in car interiors? 
Squeaks and rattles occur when two pieces of interior material interlock and then release in a ‘stick-and-slip’ action – discharging acoustic energy. This normally occurs at the intersection of two components, for example at the base of the seat.

This effect is exacerbated when the surface of the material is rough rather than smooth. This makes it more likely that the two opposing material surfaces will interlock – leading to more annoying squeaks.

To combat this phenomenon, Stahl has developed a unique new solution using our advanced PolyMatte® polyurethane dispersion technology: Stahl Stay Silent®.

Our technology reduces the surface roughness of materials. So, when two surfaces rub against one another, they have fewer opportunities to interlock.

Testing to perfection for a quieter automotive interior 
A great anti-friction coating for automotive interiors combines exceptional performance with lasting durability. But standard noise-reduction coatings have been proven to lose their effectiveness over a short period of time.

That’s why we put Stahl Stay Silent® through industry-standard wear-aging testing. The result? Stahl Stay Silent®’s unique formulation ensures users benefit from enhanced noise-reduction performance – even after 100,000 km on the road.

Stahl’s in-house testing facilities accurately simulate real-world conditions and meet the specifications of major automotive OEMs. Our extensive prototyping and development process means that Stahl Stay Silent® maintains the highest levels of performance long after the car leaves the showroom.

Discover the Stahl Stay Silent® range 
The Stahl Stay Silent® range currently includes two distinct products, based on customers’ specific finishing requirements. Offering superb weathering and best-in-class low-noise performance, the coatings are ready to use with a crosslinker.

Permutex WD-3720 (low-gloss) and Permutex WF-3721 (semi-matt) can be blended at any ratio to adjust the gloss levels. 

Noise reduction and more: a wide range of benefits 

• Longer-lasting performance: Stahl Stay Silent® prevents unwanted noises for longer. Our lifecycle simulations demonstrate excellent noise-suppression performance even over a 100,000 km vehicle life cycle.

• Qualities beyond noise suppression: Stahl Stay Silent® also offers excellent abrasion resistance and weathering performance – helping preserve the quality of vehicle interiors.

• More responsible formulation: Stahl Stay Silent® is water-based and has a very low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

• Adaptable: Stahl Stay Silent® works on PVC and PU synthetics. It is also highly flexible, both at RT and minus T.

• High-quality look and feel that stays the course: Stahl Stay Silent® allows interior materials to retain a low-gloss appearance (the marker of a luxury interior) for as long as possible, while also providing excellent soft-touch haptics.

• Ease of application: converters can apply Stahl Stay Silent® using a two-component (2K) coating system. The only additional requirement is crosslinkers, which Stahl can supply. 
  

Looking for a noise-suppression solution that lasts? 
Download the Stahl Stay Silent® brochure below to learn more about how to make your noise-suppression last.