Sound Absorption Characterisation of Layered Arrangements of Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Epoxy Composite prepared by a Simple Mixing - Hot Pressing Process
Widayani1)*, Abiyoga Noeriman1), Triati Dewi Kencana Wungu1,2), Damar Rastri Adhika 2,3)

1) Nuclear Physics and Biophysics Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
2) Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesa 10 Bandung 40132 Indonesia
3) Advanced Functional Material Research Group, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia

Abstract

As with other natural fiber-based composites, pineapple leaf fiber-epoxy composites could be potentially used as sound absorber materials. Sound absorption coefficient of a material depends on several factors, such as thickness and sound frequency. Layered arrangement is usually used to increase thickness. In this research, sound absorption characteristic of one-, two- and three- layer arrangement of the Pineapple leaf fiber-epoxy composite containing 11 and 17% (w/w) of epoxy concentration have been studied. The composites were prepared by a simple mixing followed by hot pressing process, and the sound absorption coefficient was measured according to ISO 10534-2 by using an impedance tube. At low frequency range (<1 kHz) the sound absorption coefficient increases as the layer number increases. At frequency range >1 kHz, the sound absorption coefficient variates at above 0.6. In this frequency range, the sound absorption coefficient of Pineapple Leaf fiber-epoxy composite is influenced by epoxy concentration. The composite containing 11% of epoxy concentration gives higher sound absorption coefficient compared to that of 17%. One-layer composite is better sound absorbing materials at frequency >3 kHz, as it gives higher sound absorption coefficient compared to other arrangements.

Keywords: pineapple leaf fiber-epoxy composite, sound absorption coefficient, layered arrangements

Topic: Materials Physics