Influence of moisture on the sound absorption properties of wood-based pulp fibre foams

Abstract

The use of wood fibres, and other biofibres in general, as raw materials to produce sound absorbers has gradually increased lately. The main reason for their increased use is their contribution to reducing CO2 from the atmosphere by binding CO2 into the building structure for decades. Understanding of the ultrastructure of wood fibres is essential as it has a strong influence on the fibre properties, and thus, on the final material properties. In this work, the effect of moisture on the sound absorption properties of wood-based pulp fibre foams has been studied. It is shown that increasing moisture content (> 9%) in pulp fibres leads to greater sound absorption at low-mid frequencies. Fibre swelling, increasing fibre flexibility, and increasing foam bulk density with increasing fibre moisture content are hypothesized as the causes for the increase in sound absorption. Hygroexpansion, mechanical properties as well as moisture absorption capability of different types of pulp fibres are studied and related to their sound absorption properties. It is concluded that, in addition to fibre diameter and bulk density of foams, the elastic properties of the pulp fibres are partially responsible for the improved sound absorption of the foams exposed to greater relative humidity conditions.