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Properties of Sound Absorption Composite Materials Developed Using Flax Fiber, Sphagnum Moss, Vermiculite, and Sapropel

Summary

Researchers created new environmentally friendly sound-absorbing panels using lake sediment (sapropel) as a binder mixed with natural fibers and minerals. These composite materials work well for reducing noise in buildings and have a decorative natural appearance. However, because they contain organic materials, they are susceptible to mold growth and need antimicrobial protection, with materials containing vermiculite performing better than those with moss.

Background

Building construction increasingly requires environmentally friendly materials to reduce ecological footprint and improve energy efficiency. This study explores composite materials using natural fillers (flax fiber, sphagnum moss, vermiculite) and sapropel, an organic lake sediment, as a sustainable binder for sound absorption applications.

Objective

To develop and characterize environmentally friendly sound absorption composite materials using flax fiber, sphagnum moss, vermiculite, and sapropel as binder, while investigating their mechanical, acoustic, and microbiological stability properties compared to hemp-based composites.

Results

Vermiculite-flax fiber composites demonstrated superior mechanical strength and more stable sound absorption properties compared to moss-flax fiber composites. Both materials achieved sound absorption classes C-D in the frequency range tested, comparable to hemp-magnesium oxide and hemp-magnesium phosphate composites. However, all sapropel-based materials showed rapid fungal colonization due to high organic content and neutral pH, with Trichoderma being the dominant fungal genus.

Conclusion

The developed composite materials demonstrate suitable acoustic and mechanical properties for use as sound-absorbing panels in construction. Vermiculite-based composites show superior performance compared to moss-based alternatives. However, these materials require antimicrobial treatment due to biodegradation vulnerability from their high organic matter content and neutral pH favoring fungal growth.
  • Published in:Materials (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ma16031060, PMID: 36770067
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