Factors Affecting Acoustic Properties of Natural-Fiber-Based Materials and Composites: A Review

Abstract

Recently, very rapid growth has been observed in the innovations and use of natural-fiber-based materials and composites for acoustic applications due to their environmentally friendly nature, low cost, and good acoustic absorption capability. However, there are still challenges for researchers to improve the mechanical and acoustic properties of natural fiber composites. In contrast, synthetic fiber-based composites have good mechanical properties and can be used in a wide range of structural and automotive applications. This review aims to provide a short overview of the different factors that affect the acoustic properties of natural-fiber-based materials and composites. The various factors that influence acoustic performance are fiber type, fineness, length, orientation, density, volume fraction in the composite, thickness, level of compression, and design. The details of various factors affecting the acoustic behavior of the fiber-based composites are described. Natural-fiber-based composites exhibit relatively good sound absorption capability due to their porous structure. Surface modification by alkali treatment can enhance the sound absorption performance. These materials can be used in buildings and interiors for efficient sound insulation.

Analysis of Volume Fraction and Fiber Orientation on Tensile Strength and Impact Strength of Cannabis Sativa-Polyester Fiber Composites

“…3. Three-dimensional reinforcement, has a higher isotropic strength than the previous two types [19], [20].…”

Effect of hybridization on natural fiber reinforced polymer composite materials – A review

“…103 Table 7 provides the Industrial standards of natural fiber composites for sound absorption applications. ; Hassan et al 94 ; Das et al 95 ; Kudva et al 96…”

The effect of silica aerogel on thermal and sound absorption insulation properties of epoxy plate and glass fiber fabric epoxy composite

“…The friction between the movement of the air particles and the cavities within the material enables the sound kinetic energy to be converted into heat energy and the sound is attenuated. [14][15][16][17][18][19] Silica aerogels prevent the sound reflection by allowing sound to penetrate their open cavities or channels and help to absorb the sound. 14,15,20 Fricke et al [2001] reported that the speed of sound in aerogels is lower than air (100 ms À1 ), which is about one-third of the velocity of sound in air, and they have exceptional sound properties.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19] Silica aerogels prevent the sound reflection by allowing sound to penetrate their open cavities or channels and help to absorb the sound. 14,15,20 Fricke et al [2001] reported that the speed of sound in aerogels is lower than air (100 ms À1 ), which is about one-third of the velocity of sound in air, and they have exceptional sound properties. 21 Forest et al [2001] reported that the smaller granules allow to increase the attenuation and to reduce the velocity of sound in the material due to the reduction of the air volume fraction.…”

“…The sound absorption property of UPVC was found to increase up to three times by using silica aerogels due to its high porosity. 14,15,25 In addition, until now, natural fiber-based composites such as jute, ramie, flax, kenaf, rice straw, sisal, and banana, have been widely investigated for their acoustic properties. [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] However, the tensile strength of natural fiber is generally low compared to synthetic fiber.…”