Biocomposite structures as sound absorber materials

Abstract

Biocomposites, provided that they are produced in porous form, that is, unconsolidated structure, act as noise control elements in a wide range of applications as they present a cost-effective, light-weight, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional sound absorbers. This chapter presents an overview of biocomposites as rigid, porous sound absorbers. Sound absorption mechanisms that take place in porous biocomposites are explained. Methods of measuring sound absorption performance are presented. Some models to predict sound absorption capacity are described. Based on these models, factors that affect sound absorption behavior of biocomposites are given. An overview of biocomposite sound absorbers developed by researchers is reviewed. Suggestions for future research are listed.