Laboratory Test Airborne Sound Insulation MGEL 20 Panel for Partition Walls: Results ISO 10140-2 (Rw)
Laboratory Test Airborne Sound Insulation MGEL 20 Panel for Partition Walls: Results ISO 10140-2 (Rw)
The MGEL 20 panel by PRISMI is a high-density recycled rubber panel designed to reduce airborne noise in partition walls, in particular within double-wall systems with an air gap.
The panel was tested at an accredited laboratory according to UNI EN ISO 10140-2:2021, inside a complete double clay-brick wall system with MGEL 20 interposed, achieving a weighted sound reduction index of Rw(C) = 54 (-1) dB.
Based on the accredited test report (No. 445121, dated 31 August 2026), the tested system stands out for an overall mass per unit area of 157 kg/m² over an effective acoustic surface of 10.8 m², with the MGEL 20 panel (nominal thickness 20 mm, nominal density 700 kg/m³) interposed in a 30 mm air gap within an overall 280 mm double clay-brick wall.
The system effectively reduces airborne noise transmission across the full 100–5000 Hz spectrum, with an Rw value of 54.2 dB (±0.6 dB measurement uncertainty) and a C adaptation term bringing the value to 52.8 dB for A-weighted pink noise.
This makes MGEL 20 a solid choice for building material distributors and manufacturers of acoustic drywall panels looking for a certified, EU-compliant component for high-performance double-wall systems.
Introduction to Sound Insulation Testing for Partition Walls
In construction and renovation, airborne sound insulation between spaces is an increasingly common requirement, both for living comfort and for compliance with current acoustic regulations.
The MGEL 20 panel by PRISMI is a technical solution for increasing the surface mass of partition walls without resorting to excessive wall thicknesses.
Made from recycled rubber granules densified and bonded with polyurethane resins, this panel underwent a rigorous test at an accredited laboratory (test report No. 445121, dated 31 August 2026) according to UNI EN ISO 10140-2:2021, with the Rw index rated according to UNI EN ISO 717-1:2021.
The result:
- Double clay-brick wall system (280 mm overall) with MGEL 20 (20 mm, 700 kg/m³) interposed → Rw(C) = 54 (-1) dB
The system measurably reduces airborne noise transmission between the two spaces, offering excellent sound insulation for partition walls in residential and commercial settings.
Technical Description of the Tested System and the MGEL 20 Panel
The MGEL 20 panel is a high-density recycled rubber panel designed specifically for interposition in double-wall systems, adding mass to reduce airborne noise.
Manufactured entirely in Italy by PRISMI, it uses recycled rubber granules densified and bonded with polyurethane resins.
Key characteristics recorded in the tested system
- Measured wall width: 3600 mm
- Measured wall height: 3000 mm
- Measured wall thickness: 280 mm
- Effective acoustic surface: 10.8 m²
- Overall mass per unit area (analytical determination): 157 kg/m²
- MGEL 20 panel: nominal length 1200 mm, nominal height 1000 mm, nominal thickness 20 mm, nominal density 700 kg/m³
The tested system consists, in sequence, of: traditional plaster (15 mm), a wall of hollow clay blocks 80 mm thick resting on a wall-chasing strip made of recycled rubber granules, internal render (10 mm), the MGEL 20 panel (20 mm, fixed with expansion anchors and polyurethane adhesive, joints sealed with a dedicated adhesive tape), an air gap (30 mm), a wall of hollow clay blocks 120 mm thick resting on a wall-chasing strip made of recycled rubber granules, and traditional plaster (15 mm).
For more product details, see the dedicated rubber soundproofing panels for partition walls page.
Test Method According to UNI EN ISO 10140-2:2021
The test was carried out in the test rooms (source room volume Vs = 109.1 m³, receiving room volume V = 96.5 m³), with the item conditioned for at least 24 hours inside the measurement environment before being installed in the test opening.
Across the ⅓-octave band range from 100 Hz to 5000 Hz, the sound reduction index “R” was calculated from the average sound pressure level in the source room, the average level in the receiving room adjusted for background noise, the effective measuring surface, and the equivalent sound absorption area of the receiving room.
In accordance with UNI EN ISO 717-1:2021, the Rw single-number rating and the C adaptation term (A-weighted pink noise spectrum) were calculated. The test was carried out immediately after completion of the item’s preparation, with a 5-day gap between completing the setup and running the test. Measurement uncertainty was determined using a coverage factor k = 2, for a 95% confidence level.
Equipment used
- 2000 W power amplifier and a dedicated amplifier
- 2-channel real-time analyser
- Dodecahedron speakers (fixed in the receiving room, portable in the source room)
- ½” microphones with preamplifier, acoustic calibrator and thermo-hygrometers for environmental monitoring
Detailed Test Results
The sound reduction index “R” was measured across the full 100–5000 Hz frequency spectrum. Here are the most representative values (extreme bands and the 500 Hz band, the reference point for the Rw index):
| Frequency (Hz) | R (dB) | R ref (dB) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 44.0 | 35.0 |
| 125 | 38.6 | 38.0 |
| 500 | 49.1 | 54.0 |
| … | … | … |
| 3150 | 70.7 | 58.0 |
| 5000 | 74.4 | // |
Weighted sound reduction index:
- Rw = 54.2 dB (±0.6 dB)
- Rw + C = 52.8 dB (±0.6 dB)
The system shows increasing sound reduction with frequency, exceeding the reference curve significantly in the mid-to-high bands (from 1000 Hz upward), a behavior typical of well-decoupled double-wall systems with an interposed mass layer.
Compliance with European Standards
The results obtained are consistent with UNI EN ISO 10140-2:2021 (laboratory measurement) and UNI EN ISO 717-1:2021 (Rw rating), the standard normative references for characterizing the airborne sound insulation of building elements across Europe.
Practical Applications in Construction and Renovation
The double-wall system with MGEL 20 interposed is suited for:
- Partition walls between residential units (apartments, residential complexes)
- Offices and commercial spaces requiring acoustic privacy
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Production of prefabricated acoustic drywall panels for B2B distributors and manufacturers
It integrates easily into dry-wall (drywall) systems or traditional masonry, increasing wall mass without excessively increasing overall thickness.
Competitive Advantages and International Market
Compared to other solutions on the market, the PRISMI MGEL 20 panel combines high density (700 kg/m³), high-quality recycled material, and an airborne sound insulation test carried out at an accredited laboratory according to UNI EN ISO 10140-2:2021.
For building material distributors and acoustic panel manufacturers, it represents a competitive, sustainable solution backed by verifiable laboratory data, suited to both the domestic market and export across Europe and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions on the MGEL 20 Sound Insulation Test
What is the Rw index and why does it matter?
Rw is the single-number weighted sound reduction index defined by UNI EN ISO 717-1, the standard reference value for comparing the acoustic performance of walls and building elements against airborne noise.
What does the C adaptation term mean?
C is an adaptation term that estimates the real-world performance of the system against pink-spectrum noise (e.g. voice, music), added to the Rw value for a more representative assessment under real-use conditions.
What Rw value did the tested system with MGEL 20 achieve?
The double clay-brick wall system with the MGEL 20 panel interposed achieved Rw(C) = 54 (-1) dB, with Rw = 54.2 dB.
Can the MGEL 20 panel also be used in drywall systems instead of clay-brick walls?
The reference test was carried out on a clay-brick wall system; for drywall configurations, the general behaviour (added mass and decoupling via an air gap) still applies, but the specific Rw value depends on the complete system configuration.
Where can I find the full test report?
The test report is available on request for distributors and manufacturers interested in integrating MGEL 20 into their own product line: contact PRISMI through the product pages of the website.
