Sound Absorbing Material from Bagasse Fiber and Natural Binders

Abstract

This research focuses on the use of bagasse fibers from agricultural waste from industrial plants and natural binder materials (latex and “Yang Bong”, Persea kerzii Kosterm) to be developed as sound-absorbing flooring materials within buildings in order to be an alternative material, which is environmental friendly and made from 100% natural materials. The sample sheets were produced with a density of 400 kg/m³ and different mixing ratios by weight of bagasse: Latex: Yang Bong: water formed by hot pressing at 120 degrees Celsius, pressure 100 kg/cm² for 15 minutes, and then tested for density, bending strength, tensile strength, and sound absorption to Compare with The Thai industrial standard for pressed plywood sheets (TIS 876-2004).

Test results show that the sample with sheets with themixing ratio by weight of bagasse: latex equal to 60:40 and Yang Bong:water equal to 1:3 with the ratio of Yang Bong equals to 10% of weight of bagasse and latex have the best overall properties, which were the bending strength of 1.415 MPa Tensile strength of 0.203 MPa and sound absorbtion of 0.325 NRC most appropriate for further development. From the test results, it can be seen that it is possible to use natural fibers from bagasse to be developed into building floor mats that can absorb sound and prevent impact sounds from objects falling inside the building However, various properties should be developed more, including frame-retardant properties, for future use.