Sains Malaysiana 52(7)(2023): 2103-2114

http://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2023-5207-16

Sound-Absorbing Material Based Oil Palm Frond Natural Fibres

(Serat Asli Pelepah Kelapa Sawit Berasaskan Bahan Penyerap Bunyi)

LAY SHENG EWE^1,*, WENG KEAN YEW², HAI SONG WOON¹ & ZAWAWI IBRAHIM³

¹College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Putrajaya Campus, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

²School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, No 1, Jalan Venna P5/2, Precint 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia

³Engineering and Processing Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

Received: 4 March 2023/Accepted: 28 June 2023

Abstract

Effective noise control is vital for improving living standards, but traditional sound absorbers pose health risks. Natural fibers offer a sustainable alternative, with consistent absorption rates across a broad frequency range. These fibers, widely available in Malaysia, are non-toxic, lightweight, renewable, and eco-friendly, making them an attractive option. The safety benefits of natural fibers further enhance their appeal as sound absorbers, making them an excellent choice for those concerned about environmental impact and personal health. This study will examine the effect of different thicknesses on the acoustic performance of natural fibers from oil palm fronds (OPF). The findings demonstrate that, when material density is 160 kg/m³, all thicknesses can achieve a good Sound Absorption Coefficient (SAC) of 0.8 or greater within 3600 - 6400 Hz range. However, at 180 kg/m³ density, only the 10 mm thickness sample has SAC of 0.8 or greater, but for 2800 - 6400 Hz range. It is worth noting that, across 0 - 6400 Hz, 10 mm thick and 180 kg/m³ density sample has higher SAC than 160 kg/m³ samples. Nevertheless, for 12 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm thicknesses, SAC of 160 kg/m³ is higher than 180 kg/m³ after an interception point. Before that interception point, SAC of 160 kg/m³ is lower than 180 kg/m³. As thickness increases from 12 mm to 16 mm, the interception point decreases from 2100 Hz to 1600 Hz. The research demonstrates that various factors, such as frequency, density, thickness, and fiber structure, impact the acoustic performance of OPF LDF.

Keywords: Density; oil palm frond (OPF); sound absorption coefficient (SAC); thickness

Abstrak

Kawalan bunyi yang berkesan adalah penting untuk meningkatkan tahap kehidupan, tetapi penyerap bunyi tradisional mempunyai risiko kesihatan. Serat semula jadi menawarkan alternatif yang mampan dengan kadar penyerapan yang tekal merentasi pelbagai julat frekuensi. Serat ini, yang melimpah di Malaysia, tidak toksik, ringan, boleh diperbaharui dan mesra alam, menjadikannya pilihan yang menarik. Manfaat keselamatan serat semula jadi lebih menambah daya tarikan mereka sebagai penyerap bunyi, menjadikannya pilihan yang sangat baik bagi mereka yang prihatin tentang impak alam sekitar dan kesihatan diri. Penyelidikan ini mengkaji kesan ketebalan yang berbeza pada prestasi akustik serat semula jadi daripada pelepah kelapa sawit (OPF). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa, apabila ketumpatan bahan adalah 160 kg/m³, semua ketebalan dapat mencapai Koefisien Penyerapan Bunyi (SAC) yang baik iaitu 0.8 atau lebih dalam julat frekuensi 3600 - 6400 Hz. Walau bagaimanapun, pada ketumpatan 180 kg/m³, hanya sampel ketebalan 10 mm yang mempunyai SAC 0.8 atau lebih, tetapi untuk julat frekuensi 2800 - 6400 Hz. Perlu dicatat bahawa, merentasi julat 0 - 6400 Hz, sampel ketebalan 10 mm dan ketumpatan 180 kg/m³ mempunyai nilai SAC yang lebih tinggi daripada sampel 160 kg/m³. Namun begitu, untuk ketebalan 12 mm, 14 mm dan 16 mm, nilai SAC 160 kg/m³ lebih tinggi daripada 180 kg/m³ selepas titik intersepsi. Sebelum titik intersepsi itu, nilai SAC 160 kg/m³ lebih rendah daripada 180 kg/m³. Apabila ketebalan meningkat daripada 12 mm ke 16 mm, titik intersepsi berkurangan daripada 2100 Hz kepada 1600 Hz. Kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa pelbagai faktor, seperti frekuensi, ketumpatan, ketebalan dan struktur serat, mempengaruhi prestasi akustik OPF LDF.

Kata kunci: Ketebalan; ketumpatan; koefisien penyerapan bunyi (SAC); pelepah kelapa sawit (OPF)

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*Corresponding author; email: laysheng@uniten.edu.my