Sound absorption performance of tea waste reinforced polypropylene and nanoclay biocomposites

Noise is the principal physical hazard in many workplaces that affects work efficiency and human health; consequently, reducing noise by utilization sound adsorbent is a major method for controlling noise. Synthetic materials such as fiberglass and rock wool are utilized as sound absorbers in developing countries are harmful to the environment and health. Thus, this has motivated the initiative to develop natural fibers and their reinforced composites as candidates to replace the synthetic materials utilization theoretical study and life cycle assessment (LCA). In addition to lightweight and low CO emission advantages, the natural vegetable fibers are non-toxic and recyclable. The characterization of these green composites will develop for utilization in engineering applications. Nowadays, their sound absorption properties have been extensively studied and are applied in many components for airplanes and cars. This research aimed to study the sound absorption properties of tea waste fibers and their reinforced composites. It was observed that adding 5 wt% nanoclay in samples improved the sound absorption coefficients (SAC), especially at lower frequencies. A 60% increase in tea waste had a special role in absorbing sound waves at a frequency of 1000 Hz and a frequency range of 2500 to 6300 Hz. The Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM) images showed that the different sound absorption properties of nanocomposites were due to the high porosity of tea waste.