Sound-Absorption Properties of Kapok Fiber Nonwoven Fabrics at Low Frequency

Abstract

In this study, the sound-absorption properties of kapok fiber nonwoven fabrics were investigated in the frequency region of 100–2500 Hz using the impedance tube method. The effects of physical parameters including fiber mixing ratio, bulk density, and thickness on sound-absorption properties of composites were studied. The comparisons of kapok fiber with polypropylene fiber and hollow polyester fiber indicated that as a natural fiber, kapok fiber had superior acoustical properties at low frequency. A new simple model had been developed to predict the sound absorption coefficient of kapok fiber nonwoven composites at low frequency.