Acoustical and Mechanical Properties of Sisal and Kenaf Fibers Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Natural fibers have recently attracted the attention of researchers in the academic and industrial fields due to their porous structure and unique composition. This study aimed to examine the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) values of front and back surfaces of composite materials reinforced with natural fibers. Additionally, the effect of the weight fraction of natural fibers relative to the polyester resin weight on acoustic and mechanical properties was studied. Sisal and Kenaf fibers were used in different proportions (5%, 10% and15%) relative to the resin weight of polyester polymer. The composite material was fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. The acoustic and mechanical properties, specifically hardness and compression stress were measured. Results revealed that the back surface of all samples exhibited 0.01 SAC that means these panels are suitable for building facades. In the case of the front surface, sisal fibers are considered absorbing materials of sound waves compared to kenaf fibers, especially at 10% and 15% of sisal fibers recorded (0.206 and 0.325) SAC respectively. Additionally, hardness and compression decreased as the weight ratio of fibers increased; kenaf fibers showed a greater impact on reducing mechanical fibers properties compared to sisal fibers.