Effects of weaving parameters on acoustic and thermal insulation properties of handmade carpets

Abstract

Carpeting is one of the most efficient approaches to provide both the acoustic and thermal insulation, and improve the comfort of building inhabitants. In the current research work, the acoustic and thermal properties of handmade carpets as one of the commonly used textile products in several countries, especially in Middle-East countries, have been investigated. Aiming to find the optimum weaving condition to maximize the insulation performance of the handmade wool carpets, the weaving variables of knot type, knot density, and pile height were changed. By performing a set of experiments according to the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the sound absorption coefficient and thermal resistance values were measured for each sample. The statistical analysis showed that the sound absorption and thermal properties of carpets were appropriately described with the linear model. The pile height was the most effective factor for the both sound absorption and thermal resistance responses. Knot density was marginally significant, while the knot type had a negligible contribution. Increasing the height of the pile and knot density led to an increase in sound absorption and thermal resistance. The optimization procedure suggested that within the experimental range, the best acoustic and thermal insulation, can be obtained at knot density of 35 (per 7 cm), and the pile height of 3 cm.