An Experimental Investigation on Acoustical Properties of Organic PU Foam Reinforced with Nanoparticles Fabricated by Hydrothermal Reduction Technique to Emerging Applications

Abstract

In this paper, synthesis of the bio-based eco-friendly PU foam using a mechanical stirrer mixing process and reinforcing with nanoparticles through absorption and hydrothermal reduction process is discussed. The acoustic shielding properties of the materials were tested using an impedance tube test setup. Identification of the functional groups and carbon compounds found in the different organic foams were done using the Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectrum graph. The size, structure and homogenous distribution of the nanoparticles were observed through field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). These experiments were systematically designed by central composite design (CCD) and analyzed through response surface methodology (RSM) to learn the sound absorption coefficient of the material. The mathematical models developed to predict the optimum outcomes of sound absorption coefficient and noise reduction coefficient and experimental acoustic shielding properties were evaluated using impedance tube setup. The optimum weight percentage of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), cupric oxide (CuO) and bamboo charcoal (BC) were 0.7%, 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively. The overall results point out that the nanoparticle reinforced with polyurethane foam could be considered as an outstanding material where it has been used in different fields like defense and aerospace, where low weight and acoustic property are key requirements.