Contribution
Biodegradable sound absorber panels
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Porous absorber materials are often used to improve room acoustics. These are currently primarily made from inorganic fibers such as mineral wool or petroleum-based products such as polyester fibers. Mineral fibers require a lot of energy to produce and are considered problematic in terms of recycling. Polyester fibers are recyclable, but are energy-intensive to produce. This contribution examines the sound absorption of biodegradable absorber panels. Natural fibers such as hemp, flax and seagrass are used to manufacture the panels. These fibers are available locally. Some of them are a by-product of agriculture or, in the case of seagrass, are washed up on the beach and are considered waste that has to be disposed of. To produce absorber panels, the fibers are pressed and fixed with a natural binder. This produces rigid panels that could be used directly and without further stabilization as wall panels, ceiling sails or partitions.In the impedance tube, the biodegradable panels exhibit effective sound absorption, the individual frequency response of which depends on the fiber material.