Development and Evaluation of Acoustic Sound Absorption Composite from Orange Peels Residues and Sachet Water Bags

Abstract

The goal of this study was produce a device that would reduce the unwanted sound/noise produced by machines encountered in our daily activities using orange peels (agricultural residues) and sachet water bags. These materials were prepared, mixed in 70:30 % ratio and transferred into a two-roll mill (compounding machine), where they were melted at about 150^oC temperature before transferring them to a compressing machine that was set at a lower temperature of 130^oC. The composite panel was coupled together to form a box where three speakers were connected to MP3 and inserted into the box. Test was carried out to check for the sound absorption levels of the composite using a sound level meter. Results obtained show that ‘A’ weighing filter covers the full frequency range of 0–90 kHz before coupling the absorption box. This could irreversibly damage the auditory system since it fell outside the acceptable range of 0–80 dB frequency sensitivity of human ear. However, the sound level becomes within the acceptable frequency when coupled to the developed absorption box indicating that the composite board using orange peels and empty water sachet is a good sound absorber.