Nasidi, Ida Norfaslia (2022) The influence of alkaline treatment on the acoustical performance of EFB, MF, CF AND KF natural fiber. Doctoral thesis, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

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Abstract

Nowadays, emerging noise pollution by external factors causes harmful diseases. For decades synthetic materials have been widely used as acoustic insulations materials. Nevertheless, rapid growth has been observed in the innovations and use of natural fiber based materials for acoustic applications due to their diverse capabilities. However, natural fibers are inherent features of plant-based natural fibers, including high moisture absorption, lower strength, poor adhesion with matrix resin and low durability than synthetic fiber. These are the major driving factors for the surface modification of fibers. Therefore, this present research deals with the impact of chemical treatment, primarily by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on enhancing empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fiber (MF), coir fiber (CF) and kenaf fiber (KF) sound insulation properties. The effect of alkalization in fiber morphologies, changes in fiber diameter and changes occurring in fibers functional groups were detailed analyzed using SEM and FTIR analysis. The sample was fabricated at a constant thickness of 45 mm and a density of 0.4g/cm3 prior to the evaluation of sound properties including sound absorption coefficient (SAC) and sound transmission loss (STL) using Impedance Tube methods. Results indicated, NaOH treatment successfully reduced fiber diameter and changed fiber surface morphologies. This finding was supported by the peak changes observed on the FTIR spectra. The results conclusively indicated that sound absorption performances of treated EFB, MF, CF and KF increased significantly. This is followed by a substantial increase of STL values at a higher frequency range of treated fibers than untreated ones. The evidence from this research confirmed that natural fibers of EFB, MF, CF and KF treated using NaOH treatment are potential and good alternatives as raw fibers for future acoustic applications. The findings also suggested that kenaf fiber treated using 6% NaOH concentrations is the most suitable materials for acoustical application due to the lowest fiber diameter and highest absorption capabilities

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