New absorbent material acoustic based on kenaf’s fibre

Abstract

Acoustic Standards in the building are responsible for, companies and individuals, propose new acoustic materials for the sound isolation. This paper presents a new sound-absorbent material, it is based on natural fibres, particularly fibres of kenaf. It also proposes an empirical model for this material, this models depends on the frequency. There are accepted models from the scientific community about mineral wool, glass wool, rock wool, foam or polyester fibre. Several of these models are empirical. They are obtained from the equation adjustments about the acoustic impedance and propagation constant behaviour, depending upon the flow resistivity, fibre’s diameter and density. There are even standards like UNE-EN 12354-6 where these models are accepted under certain limitations like the fundamental basis as in the materials’ acoustics behaviour prediction. From the various tests conducted in the laboratory, empirical equations are proposed for this new acoustic material. In addition, there has been a first approach to validate this model in combination with a micro-structural model, based on the steps taken by Bies-Hansen (1), which allows us to obtain the value of the resistance to flow.

Keywords

• sound absorption
• acoustic impedance
• airflow resistivity
• natural fibre