Acoustic Impedance Evaluation of the Polymer–Polymer Hybrid Composites as Insulator Building Materials

Abstract

Acoustic energy dissipates in multi-phase or multi-boundary materials. Hybrid composites are described as multi-phase with many interfaces between their materials. The current research proposes the study of the acoustic behavior of polymeric hybrid composites by estimating the time, velocity, and hybrid composite acoustic impedance. Two groups of hybrid composites were prepared, including unsaturated polyester with PMMA, except one with HDPE and the other with PS. Each group had 28%, 35%, and 40% weight fractions. An ultrasonic test measured the time to determine the velocity and then the acoustic impedance later. The results showed that increasing the weight fraction will increase the density with respect to the density of the reinforcing material. Different ultrasonic times were obtained with increasing weight fractions. As the weight fraction of PS increased, the time increased; unlike the velocity, it decreased but increased with density. In contrast, this behavior was changed if the hybrid had PE. The highest acoustic impedance was at 28% UP/PMMA + PS. In conclusion, UP/PMMA + PS can dissipate ultrasonic waves more than UP/PMMA + PE.

Keywords

• composite materials
• polymeric composite
• hybrid composites
• ultrasonic test
• acoustic impedance