19 - Effects of machining on the acoustic and mechanical properties of jute and luffa biocomposites

Abstract

After their production, biocomposite structures do not always have the final shape or dimensions required for their purpose, hence, they need machining. However, the effects of machining on the acoustic and mechanical properties of many biocomposites are still not well known. The effects of machining on the acoustic and mechanical properties of jute and luffa biocomposites are revealed in this chapter. To do this, the sound absorption coefficients (or SACs) and transmission losses (or TLs) of jute and epoxy and luffa and epoxy composite samples, with and without a turning process, are determined using the impedance tube method. The loss factors and Young’s moduli of the jute and epoxy and luffa and epoxy composite samples, with and without a milling process, are identified using experimental and theoretical modal analyses. The results show that, when the samples are machined, the sound absorption coefficients reduce by 3%–7%, the transmission loss levels increase by 6–11dB, and the damping levels and Young’s moduli reduce by 0.1%–0.5% and 3%–4%, respectively.