Evaluating the Thermo-acoustic Performance of Composite Panels Made of Oil Palm Fibers with Latex

In this study, composite panels made of natural oil palm fibers (OPFs) mixed with latex are manufactured and tested to evaluate the thermo-acoustic performance of these panels. The involving of OPFs in the manufacturing would be a contribution to green technology and optimal usage due the accumulation of deposits thus non-useful ways of removal wastes by burning. The study has included theoretical and experimental investigation to determine the acoustic absorption coefficient (AAC) of composites made of OPFs with latex. Allard approach is used for calculating the values of AAC theoretically in a range of frequencies between 100 Hz to 5000 Hz. In the experimental works, different composite panels of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm thickness have manufactured. The measurement of AAC has done using an impedance tube instrument. The results show that the value of AAC has increased by increasing the thickness and bulk density for a certain range. Peak AAC values are pointed at high frequencies (more than 1600 Hz) and they have reached up to 0.8. Where, an improving in the value of the AAC between 10-20% could be obtained by increasing the thickness by 10 mm. However, the experimental values show a slight deviation in contrast to theoretical values by +/- 20% as a consequent to experimental regards as well as some approximated assumptions.