Efficacy of nonwoven materials as sound insulator

Abstract

Nonwoven materials of various origins have been studied in terms of their efficacy in reduction of sound using tube set-up. Various parameters, such as frequency of sound generated, distance between sound generator and sample, and physical features of samples (air permeability, thickness and GSM), are studied with reference to effectiveness of sound reduction of these fabrics. The sound reduction is also measured using another method resembling real life situation. It is observed that with the increase in frequency and GSM the extent of sound reduction increases while with the increase in air permeability, the extent of sound reduction by the material decreases. Although the extent of sound reduction values slightly differs, the order of efficacy of various nonwoven fabric samples indicated by both the techniques remains the same. This study enables the users to select an efficient material to be used in noise control.