Hibla: Acoustic fiber

Noise is a major concern in mechanical systems and poor acoustic facilities. Environmental and health issues of the existing acoustic materials led the researchers to develop comparable sound absorption materials from biomasses. This study utilized Abacá (Musa textilis), Bamboo (Bambusa merrilliana), and Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) that possess properties for sound absorption. The fibers were extracted, pretreated, blended with polyester (carrier fiber) in the proportion of 50:50 (biomass fiber – polyester), carded, and needle-punched. ASTM E1050-12, Standard Test Method for Impedance and Absorption of Acoustical Material, validated the sound absorption coefficients of the Hibla panels specifically in the high frequencies with test results of 0.82 for Water hyacinth – Polyester, 0.59 for Bamboo – Polyester, and 0.58 for Abacá – Polyester at 6300 Hz. Moreover, the sound absorption coefficient of the control variable Fiberglass (0.96) has a close sound absorption coefficient with the Water hyacinth – Polyester (0.82) at 6300 Hz. As a non-woven fabric, Hibla passed the standardized tests of Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis, Flammability Test, and Breaking Load in Tension Test. With the results given, Hibla is proven to have sound absorption properties, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and high durability.