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Investigation of Sound Loss Potential of Natural Fibers and their Compositions

Malawade UA, Mahamuni KJ, Dr. Madhavrao GJ and Dr. Virendra KB

Natural fibers are porous in nature which is useful feature for sound absorption. Natural materials are ecofriendly and less harmful. Natural fibers have potential to play important role in acoustic treatments at various sensitive areas like hospitals, classroom, research laboratories, libraries, residential areas and offices. Experiments were conducted on natural fibers to understand its sound loss potential. The present paper also discusses method of sample preparation for the different compositions. Bagasse, Rice husk, Rice straw, Wood dust were tested to measure their sound loss potential. The test setup used for estimating the sound loss potential consisted of an emitter and receiver. Tests were conducted by measuring the sound level at receiver without any obstruction and readings were repeated by placing the sample in between. The difference of the two reading estimated the sound loss for that sample. The sound absorption coefficient for each case was estimated and compared with other similar materials reported in the literature. It was observed that sample made by combinations of rice husk, rice straw and wood dust gave considerable improvement in the performance. The present article discusses the sample preparation method, test setup used and results observed for different natural fibers. The present paper also gives results of compositions of different natural materials under investigation. Maximum sound absorption coefficient of the order of 0.29 was observed for Rice straw and Composition of Rice Straw and Wood dust sample.