Effects of Kenaf Fiber Strand Treatment by Sodium Hydroxide On Sound Absorption

ABSTRACT

Natural fiber capability as an acoustic panel is subjected to physical properties of the fiber. Chemical treatment was implemented in this study to improve kenaf fiber performances and utilized as a sound absorption material. This research aims to use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment from 1% to 8% concentrations on kenaf fiber. Physical changes on the kenaf fiber strands due to NaOH treatment were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The subsequent effects on sound absorption were measured using Impedance Tube to determine the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) values. Findings show that the diameter of kenaf fiber gradually decreased with the increment of the NaOH concentration. The eliminations of the hemicellulose and lignin layer of the strands causing the decreased of the strand diameter which was proven by FTIR analysis. Results from SAC shows that treated Kenaf fiber using 6%, 7%, and 8% of NaOH obtained higher SAC at high frequency range (>2500 Hz). Those samples obtained 0.67 coefficients for their NRC value. This research concludes the sound absorption capabilities of kenaf absorber was better using thinner strands and the 6% NaOH concentration was the optimum concentration to treat kenaf fiber for sound absorber.

摘要

本文介绍了从桉树中提取纤维素，制备掺有纳米材料的纤维素纳米纤维. 本文旨在提高纤维素纤维的某些性能. 为此，采用一种新的方法提取桉树纤维素，并对纤维素-Ag\Cu\GeO2纳米复合材料进行静电纺丝. FESEM图像、EDX和元素图谱分析表明，纳米颗粒分布均匀，无团聚和/或团聚现象. 样品的紫外阻隔性能表明，处理后的样品和掺杂GeO2对桉树纤维素Ag-Cu的阻隔性能得到了改善. 以所用纳米材料的光催化活性为基础，考察了处理后样品的自清洁性能，结果表明，在桉树纤维素中加入纳米GeO2对样品的光催化活性有明显的影响. 此外，对大鼠的抗炎作用进行了研究. 结果表明，制备的样品有助于减轻水肿. MTT法检测样品的细胞毒性，细胞活力显示样品对成纤维细胞毒性较低.

KEYWORDS:

• Kenaf fiber
• Strand diameter
• Sodium hydroxide
• Sound absorption

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Research Management Centre (RMC) Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, for the funding of this research under vote E15501 and vote U791.